Nature Shaping a Worldview
In what ways can the natural environment influence religious practices and values?
The Beauties of Nature
Many historical cultures mark the changing of seasons with special ceremonies and rituals. For the Japanese, these celebrations are very important to their life.
The cherry blossom is one symbol that represents many things to the Japanese:
- new beginnings
- beauty
- the shortness of beauty and life
the old-lady cherry
in bloom: a remembrance
of her old age
~Matsuo Basho
Nature and the Ainu
Ainu - indigenous people with both Japanese and Russian heritage
The Ainu have a belief that the gods called Kamuy (fire, wind, water, thunder, animals and plants) visit the earth world. There are special ceremonies for sending the kamuy back to their own world.
What other culture do we know of, that has a high regard for the four elements--earth, fire, air and water?
Shinto: The Way of the Spirits
The ancient religion of Shinto, is based on the love of nature. Believing that sacred spirits become the form of objects in nature is called kami. After death, humans become kami and are honoured by their families.
The Shinto borrowed these aspects of religion from Buddhism and Confucianism. With this distinctly Japanese form of worship, many people have built altars in their homes.
The Dark Side of Nature
stoic - a person who controls his or her emotions during difficult experiences.
A monk sips morning tea,
it's quiet,
the chrysanthemum's flowering.
~Matsuo Basho
Historically, Japan is known for its link to natural disasters; earthquakes, typhoons, tsunami's. The destruction they leave behind has forced the people of Japan to become stoic (a person who controls his or her emotions during difficult experiences). Rebuilding after each disaster has become normal as they have learned to adapt to their environment.
Natural disasters and earthquakes are explained by many cultures in the form of legends. The Japanese have their own legend. Namazu is a giant catfish that lives below the earth, in the mud. When there is an earthquake, it is said that Namazu is thrashing. Being so unpredictable, Kashima had to restrain him. When Kashima relaxes his grip, Namazu causes destruction and this is a major earthquake. To help protect the Japanese, a print of Namazu called the Namazu is to be placed in the home to assure the owner of "ten thousand years of happiness."
12.3: Self-sufficient Country