Shinto, often referred to as the way of the Kami, is an ancestral Japanese religion that continues to shape Japanese spirituality and cultural practices. It is fundamental to the understanding of Japanese identity. Shinto myths play an essential role in the transmission of values and the understanding of the world. This article explores the fascinating stories of humanity's creation according to Shinto, the deities who played a part in this process and the symbolic messages behind these richly imaged tales.
Introduction
The Origins of the Creation Myth in Shinto
The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki
These sacred texts, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, serve as the cornerstone of Shinto mythology. These chronicles, compiled in the 8th century, recount the origins of the world and the divine lineages, permeating to this day the Japanese collective consciousness.
The story of creation according to Shinto
The story begins with a primordial sea, from which emerge the first deities and, ultimately, the Japanese archipelago. These myths constitute the genesis of the universe from a Shinto perspective, laying the foundation stones for human existence.
Izanagi and Izanami: The Divine Parents of Men
Introducing Izanagi and Izanami
This divine duo, Izanagi and Izanami, symbolize the pillars of creation in Shinto. Their union and subsequent actions are at the origin of the Earth and, by extension, of humanity itself.
The creation of the Japanese islands
The myth recounts their dance around a celestial spear which, once withdrawn from the primitive salty sea, gave birth to the first drops that formed the islands of Japan. This creation is seen as a sacred act and reflects the importance of the archipelago in the national consciousness.
The descent of mankind
From the offspring of Izanagi and Izanami were born the Kami, divine entities , and among them the ancestors of mankind. This descent is symbolic of the deep and ongoing connection between humans and the divine sphere .
Divinities and Creative Forces
The importance of Yin and Yang in Shinto
The couple Izanagi and Izanami embody the fundamental duality present in Shinto, evoking concepts similar to Yin and Yang, where the complementarity of forces is essential to balance and creation.
Descent into the Underworld: death and rebirth
After Izanami's death, Izanagi undertakes a risky descent into the Underworld to find her. This dramatic episode deals with the notions of death, rebirth and purification, key to understanding the human condition from a Shinto point of view.
Creation from a Cosmic Perspective
The Kami and their role in cosmic order
The Kami are the guardians of cosmic order, providing the link between the Heavenly and the Earthly. The order and peace of the world depend on their wisdom and their actions.
The human soul and its interaction with the deities
In Shinto, the human soul, or 'Kami' in its own right, maintains a dynamic relationship with the deities. Man is invited to recognize and honor this sacred connection.
The Sacred and Humanity's Place in the World
Rites of purification and renewal
Purification remains central to Shinto. Purification rites, such as Misogi or Oharae, are perpetuated to keep man and his home, Earth, as pure as their original post-creation state.
Harmony between man and nature
According to Shinto, humans, as an integral part of nature, must live in harmony with it, reflecting the teachings of the creation myths which value respect and coexistence.
The continuity of myth in Japanese culture today
Shinto myths still permeate Japanese culture, illustrating their perpetual importance at festivals and rituals throughout Japan, perpetuating the teachings of the ancestors.
Conclusion
Shinto creation myths encapsulate not only the birth of the world and of humanity, but also the values that govern daily existence in Japan. These mythological tales continue to inspire modern beliefs, influencing man's perception of the universe and underlining a cultural heritage that evolves while remaining rooted in its sacred foundations.