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WWW Links - Japanese Religions
http://www.askasia.org/frclasrm/readings/r000009.htm
A good introduction to Japanese religions. This page focuses on
Shinto,
the indigenous religion of Japan, and Buddhism, the Indian religion
introduced to Japan from China and Korea in the sixth through eighth
centuries A.D.. Offers further references for additional information.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001472.html
This concise history and description of Shinto offers information
on
ancient and modern practices and beliefs. Defines some terms, and
describes
Shinto's role throughout ancient and modern Japanese society.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/index.htm
Excerpts from the Kojiki, as translated by R.H. Chamberlain, as
well as
excerpts from the Nihongi, translated by W.G. Ashton. Also includes
the
Yengishiki, or Shinto rituals.
http://www.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/cpjr/newreligions/inoue.html
Written by Inoue Nobutaka, this composition examines recent trends
in
Japanese new religions (verses 'traditional' religions.) The author
defines
the concept of 'new religions', and discusses the development of
their study.
http://www.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/cpjr/newreligions/takeda.html
This writing, authored by Takeda Dosho, explores the Fall of Renmonkyo,
a
religious group established in the late 1800s by Shimamura Mitsu,
and its
place in the history of Meiji-period religions. The author examines
the
establishment, growth, and decline of this religion, and the societal
reasons
for these changes.
http://www.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/cpjr/folkbeliefs/kawamura.html
An interesting exploration of the life of the Shaman in modern-day,
northeastern Japan. Author Kawamura Kunimitsu gives examples of
Shamanic
Induction, and discusses shamanic apprenticeship and shamanic initiation.
http://www.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/cpjr/folkbeliefs/ishii.html
This writing is an analysis of the changes and current status of
Japanese
religious life in light of the holiday calendar as observed in modern
urban
Japan. Written by Ishii Kenji, this article looks at the effect
of
observance of modern and traditional holidays on Japanese religious
life.
http://www.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/cpjr/folkbeliefs/havens.html
In this article, author Norman Havens examines changes in Japanese
folk
beliefs. Havens pulls from many Japanese scholars' impressions regarding
folk beliefs in his study of this topic. Using these sources, Havens
defines
folk beliefs and religions, and looks at these phenomena in Japanese
culture.
http://www.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/cpjr/kami/intro.html
This writing, authored by Inoue Nobutaka, offers perspectives toward
understanding the Japanese concept of Kami, roughly translated as
'God.'
The author compares this definition to the English concept of God,
by
contrasting the two cultures. Following this is information regarding
the
historical development of Kami, in both ancient and modern times,
as well as
dimensions of perspectives regarding Kami.
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