The Whole Rabbit "WTF is Shinto?"
Jan 24, 2022
Dive into the enchanting world of Shintoism, where kami and yokai reign supreme. Explore the Shinto creation myth and the fascinating stories of deities like Izanagi and Izanami. Discover how these ancient traditions seep into modern culture, especially through video games, from Tanuki to Kitsune. The podcast questions whether Shinto is more culture than religion, revealing its deep influence on Japanese identity. Each tale is laced with humor, making it an engaging journey through myths and rituals.
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Shinto Creation Myth
- Izanami and Izanagi, tasked with creating the world, initially failed due to incorrect ritual.
- Their monstrous children resulted from Izanami speaking first, highlighting Japanese formality.
Birth of Kami
- Izanami's death and Izanagi's purification birthed key kami like Amaterasu, Susanoo, and the moon kami.
- This mirrors other myths like Persephone and Lilith, adding depth to Shinto.
Understanding Kami
- Shinto revolves around kami, spirits found in nature, objects, and even ancestors.
- Unlike Western religions, Shinto didn't use idols initially; objects in shrines symbolize kami, not worship.