Where can I discuss the history and philosophy of Shinto?

[Phoenix3]

I can’t find anywhere on the western, english-speaking internet which discusses Shinto (神道), also known as kami-no-michi, and I doubt people on here know anything about it.

 

I have sent e-mails to japanese tourist websites asking questions, but they aren’t very helpful (especially because I don’t speak japanese).

 

I tried searching for any professors or lecturers at the East-Asian departments of universities whom I can email but I can’t find anyone. They all seem to specialise in the economics of Japan or something irrelevant.

 

Where can I have a discussion about it?

Edited June 8, 2018 by Phoenix3

[Seatle185]

Im sorry, i do not know much about shinto, but i am interested in learning more about it too. There was a book i found in the library that kind of went into certain aspects of it but not in a satisfying way.. 

 

I have also read this book https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering-Organizing/dp/1607747308

 

Which the author says is based on a shinto way of life, you may be able to send her an email and perhaps she is open to sharing more? I think there are other members here who know more about it than me

[KuroShiro]

1 hour ago, Phoenix3 said:

I can’t find anywhere on the western, english-speaking internet which discusses Shinto (神道), also known as kami-no-michi, and I doubt people on here know anything about it.

 

I have sent e-mails to japanese tourist websites asking questions, but they aren’t very helpful (especially because I don’t speak japanese).

 

I tried searching for any professors or lecturers at the East-Asian departments of universities whom I can email but I can’t find anyone. They all seem to specialise in the economics of Japan or something irrelevant.

 

Where can I have a discussion about it?

 

Shinto is the ancient traditional religion of Japan. If I remember right there are even older ancient beliefs from the indigenous people of Japan. Shinto is perhaps a synthesis of these older ancient beliefs?

My knowledge is limited (there are some English books) what would you like to know?

 

[Geof Nanto]

Shinto (神道 Shintō): The Way of Spirits. Shen Dao in Chinese pinyin. In Japanese, shin (神), meaning 'spirit' or kami and michi (道), meaning 'path'. To me, the core of Shinto is very much in harmony with early Daoism as is its name. I particularly like its focus on connection with nature.  "Shinto teaches to revere 'Great Nature'. That means that everything in nature is the transformation and creation of Kami, therefore the sacredness of Kami dwells within it."  

 

I don't know of any discussion groups on Shinto but there's plenty of information on it as any web search will reveal. Wikipedia is a good place to start.    I found this book very helpful as an overview: The Essence of Shinto by Motohisa Yamakage. Here's a few of his introductory discussion topics.....

 

Shinto is a religion unique to the Japanese people.

Shinto has no founder

Shinto has no doctrines

Shinto has no precepts or commandments

Shinto has no idols

Shinto has no organisation

 

What it does have are ambiguous characteristics like empathy and silent experience.  Hence Shinto is very much an experiential religion. It's about development of intuitive and psychic abilities so that Kami can be felt as real presences. 

 

[lifeforce]

http://www.greenshinto.com

This site has a lot of information.

I love the aesthetics of Shinto. As an ancient folk/nature practice and philosophy, it is uniquely Japanese. However, a practice centered around your locale and it's natural surroundings can easily be adapted from Shintoism.

Great topic.

[lifeforce]

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/pagantama/2018/06/12/connecting-with-shinto-kami-overseas/

[Aetherous]

For people in the US, they can visit a Shinto shrine in Washington State:

http://www.tsubakishrine.org/