英語で紹介する日本文化Ⅰ
Lesson 1 Traditional Religion－Shinto
Shinto[神道]とは
Shinto is
the natural indigenous religion of
参考文献 十九世紀半ばにペリー提督が著した『日本遠征記』
The
original national religion of
Shintoの歴史
The word
Shinto is written with two Chinese characters; the first, shin, is also used to
write the native Japanese word kami (divinity or numinous entity), and the
second, to, is used to write the native word michi (Way). The term first
appears in the historical chronicle Nihon shoki [日本書紀], where
it refers to religious observance, the divinities, and shrines, but not until
the late 12th century was it used to denote a body of religious doctrines. The
worship of kami slowly emerged at the dawn of Japanese history, crystallized as
an imperial religious system during the
Shinto
can be regarded as a two-sided phenomenon. On the one hand it is a loosely
structured set of practices, creeds, and attitudes rooted in local communities,
and on the other it is a strictly defined and organized religion at the level
of the imperial line and the state. These two basic aspects, which are not
entirely separate, reflect fundamental features of the Japanese national
character as it is expressed in sociopolitical structures and psychological
attitudes.
Jinja[神社]とは
A Shinto
shrine is an enclosed area containing a wooden sanctuary[鎮守の森] and several auxiliary buildings[社殿] where Shinto rites are performed and prayers
offered. The shrine is the focal point of organized Shinto religious practice,
including annual festivals and sacred dance and music[御神楽]. In urban areas it provides a sense of community[講] to those living within parish. In rural
areas it tends to create a feeling of kinship among villagers[氏子] by stressing the common tie that all to the
shrine deity[氏神].
A typical
medium-size shrine might be often be laid out as follows: Toward the rear of
the shrine precinct[境内], which is often rectangular and surrounded
by a fence[玉垣] marking it off as sanctified
area, stands the main sanctuary[本殿], which houses go-shintai[御神体], a sacred object in which the spirit of the
deity is believed to reside. Usually more than one deity is enshrined. Directly
in front of the main sanctuary is the hall of worship or oratory[拝殿], where the priests conduct their rituals
and individuals make their offerings. Worshipers announce their presence to the
deity enshrined in the main sanctuary by clapping their hand[拍手／柏手] and tugging on a heavy bell rope hanging
from the eaves of the main sanctuary. A wooden box[賽銭箱] stands in front of the main sanctuary to
receive money offerings[御賽銭]. The interior of the main
sanctuary may be entered by laymen only on special ritual occasions and the
main sanctuary only by priests on rare occasions. At the entrance to the shrine
stands characteristic shrine gateways[鳥居] which
are said to have their roots in India, China or Korea. A pair of highly
stylized stone lions called komainu [狛犬]stand
guard in front of the gate or hall. Adjacent to lions, a stone basin[手水鉢] is placed to purify oneself by ritual
washing of hands and mouth.
Inari[お稲荷様]
Originally one of the names of the deity of
cereals. Inari has been the deity most widely worshiped by the Japanese because
of its association with the nation's rice-centered agriculture. Inari has also
been regarded as a guardian of commerce and success. During the
In medieval times (mid-12th-16th centuries), belief in the sacredness of the fox, especially the white fox, was common. Eventually the fox came to be regarded as Inari's messenger. Thus the fox as a symbol has often been referred to as inari, and a piece of
fried soybean curd, offered to an Inari shrine in the belief that it was the fox's favorite food, has also been called inari.
代表的な神社の紹介
Ise
Shrine[伊勢神宮]
One of
the most important Shinto shrines. Located in the city of ise in Mie Prefecture
and comprising the Inner Shrine[内宮] and the Outer Shrine[外宮], with other affiliated shrines. Beginning
in the 10th Century, Ise became a popular pilgrimage site.
Ise Shrine
has long had a special significance for the Japanese. It is mentioned in the
8th-century poetry anthology, the Manyoshu[万葉集]. During
the 5th century lower-ranking clerics the shrine[御師] went
around the provinces proselytizing, collecting funds, and preaching the
benefits of visiting Ise, adding that seven pilgrimages ensured salvation. Associations
for pilgrimages to the shrine[伊勢講] were formed in various provinces.
In the more secularized modern period, Ise Shrine is significant more for its literary
and historic associations and for its architecture than a place of worship.
Izumo
Shrine[出雲大社]
One of
the most important Shinto shrines; located in the town of
The
shrine is built in the taishu-zukuri style[大社造], considered
the oldest of shrine architectural styles in Japan. The previous main building
(本殿) was built in 1744, the 25th building since
the original structure. Now approximately 79ft high, it was reportedly once 315
ft a high.
Kumano
Sanzan Shrines[熊野三社]
Collective
name for three shrines located in Kumano district of
Omiwa
Shrine[大神神社]
A Shinto
shrine in the city of Sakurai[桜井], Nara Prefecture; dedicated to
the deity Omonoushi no Kami[大物主神]. One of the oldest and greatest
shrines in
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