Shinto: the Way of the Gods

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Shintoism
Cover of the book Shinto: the Way of the Gods by W. G. Aston, Books on Demand
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: W. G. Aston ISBN: 9783748199496
Publisher: Books on Demand Publication: November 19, 2018
Imprint: Language: English
Author: W. G. Aston
ISBN: 9783748199496
Publisher: Books on Demand
Publication: November 19, 2018
Imprint:
Language: English

Nature deities seldom confine themselves to their proper nature functions. Shinto exhibits an increasing tendency to recognize in them a providence that influences human affairs. Even in the older Shinto there are examples of the Gods exercising a providential care for mankind outside of their proper spheres of action. The Sun-Goddess not only bestows light on the world, but preserves the seeds of grain for her beloved human beings. She watches specially over the welfare of her descendants the Mikados. Susa no wo, the Rain-storm personified, is the provider of all kinds of useful trees. Practically, all the deities are prayed to for a good harvest, or for rain. Even man-Gods, like Temmangu, may be appealed to for this purpose. Any God may send an earthquake or a pestilence. In 853 there was a great epidemic of smallpox. An oracle from Tsukiyomi, the Moon-God, indicated the means of obtaining relief from this plague, and since then people of every class pray to him when it is prevalent. The Ujigami and Chinju, family and local protective Gods, might be chosen from any class of deities. A modern Japanese writer says: "No one knows what spirit of heaven or earth is venerated at the Suitengu, in Tokyo. But despite the anonymity of the God, people credit him with power to protect against all perils of sea and flood, against burglary, and, by a strange juxtaposition of spheres of influence, against the pains of parturition. The deity of Inari secures efficacy for prayer and abundance of crops; the Taisha [great shrine of Idzumo] presides over wedlock; the Kompira shares with the Suitengu the privilege of guarding those that 'go down to the deep.' The rest confer prosperity, avert sickness, cure sterility, bestow literary talent, endow with warlike powers, and so on."

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Nature deities seldom confine themselves to their proper nature functions. Shinto exhibits an increasing tendency to recognize in them a providence that influences human affairs. Even in the older Shinto there are examples of the Gods exercising a providential care for mankind outside of their proper spheres of action. The Sun-Goddess not only bestows light on the world, but preserves the seeds of grain for her beloved human beings. She watches specially over the welfare of her descendants the Mikados. Susa no wo, the Rain-storm personified, is the provider of all kinds of useful trees. Practically, all the deities are prayed to for a good harvest, or for rain. Even man-Gods, like Temmangu, may be appealed to for this purpose. Any God may send an earthquake or a pestilence. In 853 there was a great epidemic of smallpox. An oracle from Tsukiyomi, the Moon-God, indicated the means of obtaining relief from this plague, and since then people of every class pray to him when it is prevalent. The Ujigami and Chinju, family and local protective Gods, might be chosen from any class of deities. A modern Japanese writer says: "No one knows what spirit of heaven or earth is venerated at the Suitengu, in Tokyo. But despite the anonymity of the God, people credit him with power to protect against all perils of sea and flood, against burglary, and, by a strange juxtaposition of spheres of influence, against the pains of parturition. The deity of Inari secures efficacy for prayer and abundance of crops; the Taisha [great shrine of Idzumo] presides over wedlock; the Kompira shares with the Suitengu the privilege of guarding those that 'go down to the deep.' The rest confer prosperity, avert sickness, cure sterility, bestow literary talent, endow with warlike powers, and so on."

More books from Books on Demand

Cover of the book Anmerkungen zu Made in Germany by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Fliegen mit Avidyne R9 by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book 40 Copies of Myself by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Der Wettflug der Nationen by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Pariser Ehen by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Ich bin einfach losgegangen ...in das Reich der Mitte by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Better parenthood: enjoy every day with your child! by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Precious Smell of Death by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Inspirationen aus dem Parelli-Land by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Regensburg by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Digitale Nomaden und Minimalisten by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Personalbilanz Lesebogen 31 Startup-Performer mit Strategieverständnis by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Kanfanar in prähistorischer Zeit by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book Tom Sawyer und Huckleberry Finn by W. G. Aston
Cover of the book dharmayanam by W. G. Aston
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy