TERMS AND GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR FILM

SHINTO: NATURE, GODS, AND MEN IN JAPAN

 

Note: Here is a "must-see" site for images of ancient Japan through the 10th-century

(c/o the National Museum of Japanese History): http://www.rekihaku.ac.jp/e_zyoosetu/no1/

 

 

 

Izanagi: "He Who Invites," a central deity, along with his spouse, in the Japanese creation myth.

 

Izanami: "She Who Invites," important Japanese deity, fatally wounded when giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi.

 

kami:. Mystical, generally divine powers, linked to natural features that inspire awe and respect; also include particularly charismatic historical figures.

 

Okinoshima:. Small island off the northern coast of Kyushu; worshipped as a kami since ancient times, particularly strong following between the 4th and 10th centuries. The grand and extensive rituals performed by the Yamato court suggests that the island played a special role during this period in securing prayers for safe passage between Japan and the Korean Peninsula or China.

 

 

Ise: the Grand Shrine of Ise located in southern Honshu on Ise Bay (Ise-wan). Center of Shinto ritual dedicated to the goddess Amaterasu.

 

Amaterasu:. AMATERASU OMIKAMI ("Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven") Born from the left eye of Izanagi while he bathed. Worshipped as the Sun Goddess in Shinto practices.

 

hinoki:. Japanese cypress. This is the wood used to build the Grand Shrine complex of Ise. From the 7th century to the early 17th century, the Ise temples were rebuilt every 20 years. Since then reconstruction is conducted every 21 years.

 

Izumo:. the oldest Shinto temple, Grand Shrine of Izumo, located in southwestern Honshu.

 

Kitano Temple: a popular Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan.

 

 

#1. Describe the relationship between Japanese indigenous religious beliefs and Nature. What constitutes "sin" in native Japanese religious thought?

 

#2. Describe the early development of Shinto shrine architecture. Where did their designs come from?

 

#3. What are the major elements of a Shinto ritual?

 

#4. How did the arrival of Buddhism affect Japanese Shinto practices? What happened to the image of kami in Japanese artwork?

 

#5. Describe the differences between the approaches to Buddhism in China and Japan.