Understanding Shinto
Shinto is a religion of Japan and its
people. It is the largest religion in Japan, with nearly 80% of the population
practicing its traditions. With a little over 100 million followers, the vast
majority of whom live in Japan, Shintoism ranks as the world’s fifth largest
religion. Because Shinto allows for the worship of many gods and goddesses,
followers can embrace Shintoism and other religious traditions.
Many define the Shinto religion as a
religion of ritual and tradition. The practices are carried out to connect
Japan’s present with its rich traditions of the ancient past. It is a religion
of shrines devoted to the worship of many different gods. It incorporates the
rituals involved in non-religious remembrance, including war memorials and
harvest festivals. Some see the religion as a worship of the ancestors, though
it is more the desire to honor those who have gone before and to preserve their
memory and traditions.
The Origins of Shinto
Shinto tradition has recorded history
back to the early 8th century, but archeological references and records date
back further. Oral traditions regarding beliefs and rituals appear to go back
several centuries before they began to be written down. Some of the traditions
and histories view the Japanese imperial family as the cornerstone of Japanese
culture. There are myths about creation and a structural system involving gods
and goddesses.
Though there is no sacred scripture in
Shinto, the books of lore and history provide the stories and characters
involved in the formation of many Shinto beliefs. The four histories are the
Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters), Shoku Nihongi (Chronicles of Japan), the
Rikkokushi (National Histories), and Jinno Shotoki (Shinto Politics).
Beliefs & Sects
Shinto is unique in that a person does
not have to make a public profession of faith in order to be a member of the
religion. When a child is born in Japan, a local Shinto shrine adds the child’s
name to the membership list and declares the child as “family.” If the person
eventually moves, their name may be added to an additional shrine.
Kami
One of the core beliefs of the Shinto
religion is the idea that everything possesses a spiritual essence or energy
called “kami.” Mountains, rivers, places, animals and people are said to have
kami inside. People share on many levels and in many ways with kami. Shinto
believes that certain objects or places have greater amounts of kami and make it
easier for people to connect with them at those locations. Natural locations,
like mountains and waterfalls, or man-made shrines are places where the kami
dwell.
Death & Mourning
Shinto beliefs about death and the
afterlife are often considered dark and negative. The old traditions describe
death as a dark, underground realm with a river separating the living from the
dead. The images are very similar to Greek mythology and the concept of hades.
The Buddhist influence on the
Shinto religion teaches that thinking and meditating about death is important.
Any death reminds the follower that life on earth is short. Death should challenge
the living to make life meaningful by words and actions.
Mourning is seen as a natural reaction
to death. Intense expressions of grief may be displayed on a specified day. At
other times, grief should be shown in a controlled, almost stoic way that holds
the deceased in highest honor and respect.
After Life
Shinto traditions lean heavily on the
concepts of the presence of kami and not reincarnation. The spiritual energy,
or kami, in everyone is released and recycled at the time of death. The spirits
live in another world, the most sacred of which is called “the other world of
heaven.” These other worlds are not seen as a paradise or a punishment. Instead
the worlds are simply where the spirits reside. They can connect and visit the
present world when people correctly perform rituals and festivals.
Shinto believes that the ancestral
spirits will protect their descendants. The prayers and rituals performed by
the living honor the dead and memorialize them. In return, the spirits of the
dead offer protection and encouragement for the living.
Shintoism also views that some
individuals live such an exemplary life that they become deified in a process
called apotheosis. Many in the imperial family have experienced this honor, as
have successful warriors.
Grief & Mourning
The Shinto religion teaches that it is
natural to grieve the loss of family members and friends at the time of death.
Buddhist influence would stress that any death is a reminder of the brevity of
one’s own life. They would emphasize the need to have personal reflection and
rededication to the correct spiritual paths during a time of grief.
Mourning is often seen as a regimented
response to death. It has proper rituals and expressions. It should be endured
in an almost stoic fashion. Mourning is a time of reflection on personal life,
on the loss of companionship and the adjustment to life without the deceased.
Mourning is a time to not only reflect on the life of the deceased, but to
remember all those ancestors who have contributed to Japanese culture and life.
Periods of mourning vary in Shinto
by sect and location. Most customs will have family and friends visiting the
mausoleum or crematorium weekly, often bringing flowers and incense.
In addition, many families will create home shrines to serve as a memorial for
their departed loved one. One or more pictures will be hung above the shrine.
Often some of the ashes of the body are kept in the home shrine.
Depression
Talking about depression in Japanese has
always been a fundamentally different undertaking than talking about it in
English. In English, the word for depression is remarkably versatile. It can
describe dips in landscapes, economies or moods. It can refer to a devastating
psychiatric condition or some autumn blues. It can be subdivided almost
endlessly: major, minor, agitated, anxious, bipolar, unipolar, postpartum,
premenstrual. But in Japanese, the word for depression (utsubyo) traditionally
referred only to major or manic depressive disorders and was seldom heard
outside psychiatric circles. To talk about feelings, people relied on the word
ki or ''vital energy.'' A literal translation of Japanese synonyms for sorrow
reads, to Westerners, like the kind of emotional troubles that might befall a
kitchen sink: ki ga fusagu, sadness because your ki is blocked; ki ga omoi,
sadness because your ki is sluggish; ki ga meiru, sadness because your ki is
leaking.
Not surprisingly, Shintoism does not have
a specific doctrine or set of teachings regarding mental health issues like
depression. Shinto is more focused on the veneration of kami (spirits or gods)
and the harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.
Shintoism takes a holistic approach to
well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.
It believes that nurturing a harmonious relationship with nature, honoring
ancestors, and practicing gratitude can contribute to overall mental health.
This perspective encourages individuals to seek balance and find meaning in
their daily lives, promoting a sense of purpose and contentment.
Shintoism emphasizes the mind-body
connection and the influence each has on the other. It encourages individuals
to engage in activities that promote physical wellness, such as cleansing
rituals, meditation, and mindful practices. By actively nurturing both their
mental and physical health, individuals can strengthen their resilience and
find greater equilibrium amidst life's challenges.
Suicide
The Shinto attitude towards suicide is
somewhat ambivalent. Shinto believes that humans return to nature after death,
suicide does not constitute an exception, and suicide as a sacrificial act is
condoned. On the other hand, believing that life is given by nature and
ancestors implies that suicide is wrong.
Shinto Rituals and Practices for Depression
Shintoism places great importance on
purification rituals and cleansing practices as a means to restore spiritual
balance. Participation in activities such as ritualistic bathing, visiting
sacred waterfalls, or engaging in symbolic acts of cleansing can provide a
sense of renewal and aid in releasing negative emotions associated with
depression.
Prayer and meditation play significant
roles in Shintoism, offering opportunities for introspection, inner peace, and
connection with the divine. Engaging in these practices can help individuals
find solace, regain clarity, and cultivate a sense of tranquility amidst the
turmoil often experienced during depressive episodes.
Shinto shrines serve as sacred spaces
where individuals can seek solace, healing, and spiritual guidance. Paying
visits to shrines, making offerings, and performing rituals can provide a sense
of support and create a space for introspection and reflection. These practices
can help individuals find strength and resilience as they navigate their
journey towards overcoming depression.
Shintoism places great importance on the
spiritual connection between humans and nature. Nature is seen as a source of
healing and renewal, with natural elements considered divine entities. This
belief underscores the role of nature in promoting mental well-being and
healing, including in the context of depression. One specific practice that
aligns with Shintoism's emphasis on nature is "forest bathing," or
shinrin-yoku. This practice involves immersing oneself in nature, particularly
in forests, to experience the therapeutic benefits of being in a natural
setting. Numerous studies have shown that forest bathing can reduce stress,
anxiety, and depression, and promote overall mental well-being. By
incorporating this practice into their lives, individuals following Shintoism
can harness the healing power of nature to cope with and alleviate symptoms of
depression.
Self-reflection and Mindfulness
Self-reflection is an integral aspect of
Shintoism. This spiritual tradition encourages individuals to examine their
actions, thoughts, and emotions, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
By engaging in self-reflection, individuals can become more attuned to their
mental states, identify the causes of their depression, and take steps towards
finding inner peace and balance.
Mindfulness techniques, such as
meditation and deep breathing exercises, are commonly practiced in Shintoism to
cultivate mind and body awareness. These techniques can be invaluable in
managing depressive symptoms by redirecting attention to the present moment and
promoting a sense of calm. Incorporating mindfulness into daily life can help
individuals with depression develop a healthier relationship with their
thoughts and emotions and find moments of peace and clarity.
Sources and Additional Information:
https://www.econdolence.com/learning-center/religion-and-culture/shinto/understanding-shinto
https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/22/magazine/did-antidepressants-depress-japan.html
