Shinto - The Way of the Gods Quotes

“A common adage in Japan goes as follows: the Japanese marry as per Shinto faith, live their lives based on Confucian ethics, and are buried as per Buddhist rites.”
― Vincent Miller, Shinto - The Way of the Gods: Introduction to the Traditional Religion of Japan

“Shinto festivals typically revolve around one particular kami who becomes the god of honor or chief guest at that festival. Celebrations include a lot of physical events including drama performances, processions, sumo wrestling, and of course, feasting.”
― Vincent Miller, Shinto - The Way of the Gods: Introduction to the Traditional Religion of Japan

“Kushi-Mitama or the Wondrous SoulThis spiritual form of the soul is believed to be the counterpart of the Happy Soul and in fact, is considered to be prosperity itself. When the wondrous soul is in a powerful state, then the individual remains in a state of wisdom, opening the mind’s eyes, helping us see the wonder of the universe and mankind, and understand things beyond the superficial which, in turn, helps us overcome biased perspectives, and see everything for what it truly is.”
― Vincent Miller, Shinto - The Way of the Gods: Introduction to the Traditional Religion of Japan

“Being excessively harsh and violent, even during adversities, will result in a person being perceived as oppressive and having a hurtful behavior towards others. During the dominance of ara-mitama aspect, you may see others from an egotistical perspective and being aware of this will help you moderate yourself in a better way.”
― Vincent Miller, Shinto - The Way of the Gods: Introduction to the Traditional Religion of Japan

“Shintoism believes that every element, whether place, animal, person, or thing or whether living or non-living, has a soul. This soul can be divided into four distinct parts or spirits including: Negi-mitama or the harmonious soul Ara-mitama or the harsh soul Saki-mitama or the happy soul Kushi-mitama or the wondrous soul While the soul consists of all the above four spirits, or parts, external factors decide which spirit is dominant in a particular state. The phenomenon of one soul, four spirits in Shintoism is called Ichirei Shikon.”
― Vincent Miller, Shinto - The Way of the Gods: Introduction to the Traditional Religion of Japan