Shinto Meditations for Revering the Earth

Stuart D.B. Picken,

Yukitaka Yamamoto (Foreword by)

3.65 · Rating details · 26 ratings · 3 reviews

These devotions inspired by ancient Shinto rituals are a series of calls-and-response that directly address the awesome power of the natural world to heal and restore the soul. Readers are invited to stand before rivers, stones, and trees, to listen to thunder, and to be touched by the wind and rain in order to cultivate a spirit of reverence for Nature and awaken the cosm ...more

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Paperback, 128 pages

Published April 1st 2002 by Stone Bridge Press

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Dec 14, 2019 Jim Dooley rated it really liked it

When I visited Japan, I was told that there were three prominent religions: Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity. The first two were the most practiced religions, with many Japanese identifying with both! (The only mental comparison that came to mind was how odd it would seem to meet a Protestant Roman Catholic.) By a very curious coincidence, at the first place we visited, we were approached by two Japanese Jehovah’s Witnesses!

From my readings, Buddhism always seemed to be much more of a philoso When I visited Japan, I was told that there were three prominent religions: Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity. The first two were the most practiced religions, with many Japanese identifying with both! (The only mental comparison that came to mind was how odd it would seem to meet a Protestant Roman Catholic.) By a very curious coincidence, at the first place we visited, we were approached by two Japanese Jehovah’s Witnesses!

From my readings, Buddhism always seemed to be much more of a philosophy than a religion ... a “guidance” for how to live Life. I knew much less about Shinto. My impression was that it was about the worship of Nature. While I could easily find many books regarding Buddhist practices and beliefs, Shinto was much more elusive. Indeed, I sometimes had the feeling that the writers’ depth of knowledge of those books was scarcely more than my own.

This short book was a welcome introduction to Shinto. I wouldn’t say that Shinto is as much about the “worship” of Nature as it is inviting awareness of the mystical that can be found in it. At a time when formal Church attendance in North America continues in a decline, the precepts of Shinto might be the “missing element” to replace dissatisfaction with formal religious dogma. In place of calling people Sinners, Shinto addresses wrongdoings due to impurities.

Most of the book details how we can step back from our need to feel we are in control of Nature, and appreciate a sense of reconnecting with it. Different seasons and elements are explored along with suggested Litanies that can be followed (either in a group or individually) to become much more aware of the power surrounding us, and to cleanse impurities. (In my edition, there was an error on page 45 in the first line of the Invocation: Daishizen. It should read, “all impurity is removed” instead of “all purity is removed.” That’s quite a difference!)

Consequently, Shinto does not require the presence of a Shrine or Church to practice, although it would be best practiced out of doors at a sacred spot that reveals itself to the practitioner. Indeed, Shinto seems much less about calling someone to it is it is about being discovered when the need arises. Also, it can be practiced in conjunction with other formal religions or beliefs. It is not contradictory.

Although the book is greatly enhanced through reflection, a quick reading soon reveals its themes that are repeated over and over again. This emphasizes the importance of certain aspects. This also helps to find a Litany that most resonates with the Reader. There is plenty of time afterward to go back and use the book as a guide to get started with unfamiliar portions.

I do wish that more time had been spent in equating the Reader with differences and similarities between practices they may already know and Shinto. During my three-weeks in Japan, I quickly became aware of a major culture shift from how I was raised, and it was exciting to uncover this new perspective. Having my hand held as a narrator explained how a practitioner of another religion would begin exploring Shinto ... and how that might feel ... would have made this book invaluable. ...more

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Jun 27, 2013 Teresa Garcia rated it it was amazing

This is a must read for those wanting to experience Shinto for themselves but are unable to make regular visits to a shrine. This is also valuable for those that are looking to learn more about the spirituality of the religion in a practical manner.

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Jul 30, 2008 Angie crosby rated it really liked it

Shelves: alex, non-fiction

I really enjoyed this book. It had a bit about Shinto (very small bit) and then it had a bunch of meditations, (meant for a group) I just read them myself and meditated on the meaning. Definatly a book I would like to own.

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