Japan is a nation of 8 millions deities (2) 2017/08/21
Kojiki is the oldest history book. It was written in early 8th century and tells the origin of the nation based on various traditional legends.
According to Kojiki, firstly cosmos appeared, then, nature came out.
After nature’s appearance, primitive deities appeared one by one, then, human and other plants , animals followed.
Nature has appeared first and foremost, consequently Nature occupies the extraordinary presence above all things.
Some deities have more powers or some deities are much wiser than human, however they are, at the same time, close and familiar presence for human. In other word, deities are something exceptionally great among comrades.
Nature has extra power and wisdom against which human is not able to compete.
Therefore Japanese would not fight against Nature but have been trying to live together with Nature or survive with the blessings and merciful protection from Nature.
Shinto, Japanese peculiar religion, originates from awe and respect to Nature without any hesitation.
Shinto does not have any peculiar sacred book, and is often classified as a primitive religion similar to animism, however it has deep and precious theory
Shinto considers human is kept alive by the blessings of Nature and ancestors.
Shinto considers human can’t live by himself.
Shinto considers all creatures including human can live only on the balance of all creatures and whole cosmos. When we kill some creature, even if that creature seems to be harmful for human, it will destroy the balance and eventually it leads to severe damage to human.
Shinto tells us we should live naturally with deep appreciation to divine guidance.
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Shinto may not be religion, but it is precious theory deeply rooted among Japanese.
Shinto originated from ancient time and has been kept alive until today among Japanese as a solid view of life.
The Married Couple Rocks at Futamiura, Ise, Mie, Japan
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