Shinto vs Buddhism 101: As Understood By Yours Truly

I've seen so many Shrines and Temples and I was having difficulty understanding the difference so I sought out a bit of information.  Remember:  a little information can be a dangerous thing....is that how the saying goes?  Well, this is my current understandings of the difference between Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples.

Shinto is Japan's ancient original religion.  It is deeply rooted in Japanese life.  There is no founder or holy book.  It's a set of values based on nature.  It's spiritual.  Kami is the word for divine spirit.  The Japanese feel awe and gratitude towards Kami and have dedicated shrines to these deities.  Almost every shrine is dedicated to a different spirit or deity.  It is the largest religion in Japan, about 80 percent of the people identify themselves as practicing Shinto.  The public shrine acts as a conduit to Kami so prayers are offered there.  Shinto shrines are recognizable by the torii gates that lead to the main shrine.

Any one can pray at a shinto shrine.  Upon arriving you must start at the hand washing basin. First rinse your right hand, then pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth.  Then rinse your left hand and the dipper.  Throw a few coins into the offertory box.  Bow twice.  Clap twice to summon the spirits.  Or sometimes there is a bell to ring.  Offer your pray or request.  Bow once again.

(I'll be posting information and pictures of some of the Shrines I have visited in another post.)

Buddhism has been practiced since about 550 when it arrived in Japan by the Chinese. About 90 million people practice Buddhism.  But it does not directly affect everyday life, other than many people have a small house altar to pay respects to their ancestors. My tour guide told us that there are 5 Buddhist rules for the monks:  Don't kill.  Don't steal.  Don't lie.  Don't commit adultery.  Don't drink too much sake that you forget about your work.  Probably good rules for all of us to adhere to.

Our tour guide also said that the Japanese are very flexible when it comes to religion.  Most believe they are born as Shinto, baptized at a Shinto Shrine.  But die as Buddhist, funerals follow Buddhist beliefs.  She also said that there are about 1% of the population that are Christian but that it is becoming more popular for the Japanese to be Christian for 1 day....when they get married.  Western style weddings are very popular.

(Pictures of some Buddhist Temples to follow shortly.)

It appears that the Japanese people are very tolerant of religious beliefs.  Maybe the rest of the world could learn a few things from the Japanese.