Table of contentsShinto BuddhismShintoism – “Way of the Gods”Shintoism in practiceFundamental beliefs of Shinto Buddhism in JapanZen BuddhismZen through the tea ceremonyConclusionShinto​The oldest religion in Japan is Shintoism , which means “” the way of the Gods. There is no founder or prophets and there are no major texts describing its main beliefs. ​ Shintoism is an ancient Japanese religion, dating back to around five hundred years BCE. Its name is derived from the Chinese words "Shin Tao" in the eighth century CE. ​ The Shinto religion is practiced by approximately 80 to 90% of Japanese people. Around 3,000,000 people around the world practice Shintoism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayBuddhismBuddhism is a faith founded by Siddharta Gautama (“the Buddha”) over 2,500 years ago in India. ​ With approximately 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism to be one of the world's major religions. ​ Its practice has historically been greatest in East and Southeast Asia, but its influence has spread is increasing in the West. ​Shinto – “Way of the Gods” Before Buddhism in Japan, individuals had their own arrangement of spiritual beliefs and ritual practices. The early occupants of Japan were inspired by nature, such as the magnificent rivers, mysterious forests and snow-capped mountains, which led individuals to believe in the kami (spiritual beings) of these places. ​ Essentially, there was no requirement for special buildings of worship, but later kami were worshiped in a chief's palace or at a shrine set up at a sacred site. Purity is symbolized by the mirror since it accurately reflects what it sees. It is found in Shinto signs and represents purity and honesty as well as the kami worshiped in the shrine to enter. Since ancient times, unique entrance gates, called torii, have marked shrines. Earlier forms of torii included two upright trees connected by a crosspiece. ​The last piece of wood underneath held the structure stable. ​This was seen as an approach to bringing Kami to earth and separating the "real" from the spiritual worlds. Shintoism in practiceAfter Buddhism, the cult of Kami received a conventional structure and received the name "Shinto", which means "way of the gods". Emperors used Shinto beliefs to support their position, misleading minorities into believing that they belonged to a royal family descended from the sun goddess until World War II. ​Fundamental beliefs of Shinto tradition and family: Birth, marriage and other ceremonies related to family life are particularly important. ​Love of nature: contact with nature is equivalent to interaction with the gods. ​Physical cleanliness: washing the body, hands and mouth is considered when visiting Shinto shrines or shrines. ​Religious holidays: honoring spirits provides an opportunity to celebrate with others. Buddhism in JapanIn the 6th century, Buddhism came to Japan from China and Korea, and was quickly adapted by the ruling families. ​ A large Buddhist temple was established in Nara in the 8th century. ​ Throughout the unsettled times of the Kamakura period (12th century), the Japanese adopted new Chinese forms of Buddhism, such as Zen Buddhism. Zen BuddhismZen emphasized self-discipline through meditation: Buddhists sit silently like the Buddha in the lotus position to control their breathing.