 Shinto
and Buddhism
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Shinto, as a religion, began in the Nara (710-794) and Heian Periods
(794-1185). Until 1861, Shintoism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism,
existed together and shared some of the same Gods and Saints.
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The Shintoists didn't feel that there was any conflict between their
religion and Buddhism since they both believed in the same things. This
system didn't satisfy the government, so in the Edo Period (1600-1868),
Shinto was changed to be the true religion of the state. It was then called,
"The Ancient Way". Originally, it had been "The Divine Way". In 1945,
it was again changed to become equal to all other religions.
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Perhaps, in the late Jomon Period, pre-shinto was "Shamanism", or "Magic
Workers". Many of the shaman were women and perhaps the most important
one was the Princess Himiko. Certainly, the early people of Japan worshipped
nature. This is easy to understand since every culture in the world did
the same. Even the old cave men did it.
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Worshipping the sun and moon, water and wind, earth and animals, was
natural. All things were worshipped according to the power they had. Therefore,
the sun was the greatest God of all. This was true in Africa, America
(both north and south), the Middle East and Asia. It seems that the whole
world worshipped the same gods in the early period of their history. Later,
they changed as they became more philosophical and intelligent.
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The old ways still exist in some countries however, in Australia, among
the aborigines and in Africa, among the natives. All religions are a little
different, but many similarities always exist.
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