Shinto: Origins, Rituals, Festivals, Spirits, Sacred Places
This is an outstanding introduction to the Japanese religion  Shinto ("spirit way"), exploring its syncretistic affinities  with Buddhism, its modern status as the state religion and its  emphasis on harmony with nature. Littleton first offers a quick  but comprehensive history of Shinto over the past 2,000 years,  stressing its evolution into an imperial cult in the late 19th  century. Short chapters follow on kami (deities), sacred texts  and persons, ethical principles, concepts of the afterlife and  other topics. Throughout, full-color photographs of shrines,  rituals, talismans and artwork complement the text, which is  replete with interesting facts (e.g., that sumo wrestling  derives from an ancient Shinto ritual). Readers will come away  with a deeper appreciation of both Shinto and of Japanese  culture. (May)Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.