Shinto (Way of the Gods) is a religious doctrine that has no fixed dogma, moral precepts or even sacred writings
The worship within the Shinto religion bases itself around a panthenon of spirits (Kami) or translated into meaning: Gods.
These divinities personify different aspects of the natural world, such as the sky, the earth, storms and heavenly bodies.
The rites in this doctrine include such things as prayers of thanksgiving, the offering of valuables, normally swords armour and especially that of cloth which is believed to be purified from crime and defilement.
Shinto Ethics
- No sense of sin, interior guilt. No God who rules and punishes. No sinful tendency.
- The body, sexuality, fertility — all are good.
- Center of worship: the life force —
- Must keep life, health, body, house all free of pollutants.
- Must keep one’s character & relationships “unstained”. Seek purity.
- Respect nature: Be sincere, pay debts, fulfill obligations, apologize for misdeeds.