Shinto: The Kami Way

Shinto, the indigenous faith of the Japanese people, continues to fascinate and mystify both the casual visitor to Japan and the long-time resident. Relatively unknown among the religions of the world, Shinto: The Kami Way provides an enlightening window into this Japanese faith.

In its general aspects, Shinto is more than a religious faith. It is an amalgam of attitudes, ideas, and ways of doing things that through two millennia and more have become an integral part of the manner of the Japanese people. Shinto is both a personal faith in the kami—objects of worship in Shinto and an honorific for noble, sacred spirits—and a communal way of life according to the mind of the kami. This introduction unveils Shinto's spiritual show more characteristics and discusses the architecture and function of Shinto shrines. Further examination of Shinto's lively festivals, worship, music, and sacred regalia illustrates Shinto's influence on all levels of Japanese life. show less

Feels like it’s out of date, and written by someone who doesn’t have a deep knowledge of the subject matter. An interesting overview of the religion, but a bit too general and vague throughout.

"Shinto is not a pessimistic faith. It is an optimistic faith. The world is inherently good. That which interferes with man's happiness should be expelled. It belongs to another world."