8.7 Shinto purity and impurity concepts
8 min read•august 21, 2024
Shinto concepts are fundamental to Japanese religious and cultural practices. These ideas reflect a deep connection between nature, spirituality, and society, shaping beliefs and rituals throughout history.
Understanding Shinto purity origins provides context for broader themes in Asian religions. Influenced by animistic traditions and Chinese thought, these concepts emphasize harmony with nature and cosmic order.
Origins of purity concepts
- Shinto purity concepts form a foundational aspect of Japanese religious and cultural practices, shaping beliefs and rituals throughout history
- These concepts reflect a deep connection between the natural world, spiritual realm, and human society in Japanese religious thought
- Understanding Shinto purity origins provides crucial context for studying broader themes in Asian religions and cultural practices
Influence of native beliefs
Top images from around the web for Influence of native beliefs
.png&w=256&q=75)
Kojiki - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Shinto - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Temizu - purification ritual in Toshogu Shrine, Japan | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Kojiki - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Shinto - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Influence of native beliefs
Kojiki - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Shinto - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Temizu - purification ritual in Toshogu Shrine, Japan | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Kojiki - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Shinto - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Animistic traditions shaped early Shinto purity concepts emphasizing harmony with nature
- Ancient Japanese creation myths ( and ) established importance of purification
- Reverence for natural phenomena (mountains, rivers, trees) as sacred entities requiring
- Agrarian society customs linked purity to successful harvests and community well-being
Impact of Chinese thought
- Introduction of Chinese philosophy and religious ideas (Taoism, Buddhism) in 6th century CE influenced Shinto purity concepts
- Yin-yang dualism contributed to Shinto understanding of balance between pure and impure states
- Chinese cosmological ideas reinforced notion of purity as essential for maintaining cosmic order
- Adoption of Chinese court rituals enhanced formalization of Shinto purification practices
Kami and purity
- , the divine spirits in Shinto belief, play a central role in shaping purity concepts and practices
- The relationship between kami and purity illustrates the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical realms in Shinto worldview
- Understanding kami-purity dynamics provides insight into the practical application of purity concepts in Shinto rituals and daily life
Relationship between kami and purity
- Kami embody natural forces and require ritual purity to maintain their power and benevolence
- Impurity () believed to offend or weaken kami, disrupting harmony between human and divine realms
- Pure state (hare) attracts kami and facilitates communication between humans and spiritual entities
- Concept of musubi (creative power) links kami's generative force to maintaining purity in the world
Purification rituals for kami
- Shubatsu ritual cleanses sacred spaces and objects to prepare for kami presence
- Oharae ceremony purifies individuals and communities before interacting with kami
- Seasonal purification rites (Tsuina) expel negative influences to renew kami connections
- Offering of pure items (sake, rice, salt) to kami reinforces importance of purity in worship
Kegare vs hare
- Kegare and hare represent opposing states in Shinto purity concepts, forming a dynamic balance in religious and social life
- Understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping the cyclical nature of purification in Shinto practice
- The interplay between kegare and hare reflects broader themes of balance and harmony in Asian religious traditions
Definition of kegare
- Refers to a state of spiritual and physical pollution or defilement
- Associated with death, disease, blood, and other sources of ritual impurity
- Believed to disrupt natural order and harmony with kami
- Requires purification rituals to restore balance and cleanliness
Manifestations of hare
- Represents a state of ritual purity and spiritual cleanliness
- Associated with renewal, vitality, and positive energy
- Manifests in purified spaces (shrines, sacred areas) and during festivals (matsuri)
- Achieved through various purification practices and maintained through proper conduct
Ritual purification practices
- Purification rituals form the core of Shinto practice, serving to maintain harmony between humans, nature, and kami
- These practices reflect the importance of cyclical renewal and cleansing in Japanese religious thought
- Understanding Shinto purification rituals provides insight into the practical application of purity concepts in daily life and religious observance
Misogi water purification
- Involves full-body immersion in flowing water (rivers, waterfalls, ocean)
- Practiced to cleanse body and spirit of impurities
- Often performed before important religious ceremonies or life events
- Emphasizes the purifying power of natural water sources
Salt purification methods
- Sprinkling salt (shio) used to purify people, spaces, and objects
- Salt placed at entrances to homes and businesses to ward off evil spirits
- Sumo wrestlers throw salt in the ring before matches for purification
- Symbolizes the cleansing properties of the ocean in Shinto belief
Harae purification ceremony
- Formal ritual conducted by Shinto priests to remove impurities
- Utilizes sacred wand (haraigushi) made from paper streamers or sakaki branches
- Often includes recitation of norito (purification prayers)
- Performed at various occasions (weddings, groundbreaking ceremonies, festivals)
Impurity sources
- Shinto tradition identifies specific sources of impurity that require ritual cleansing
- Understanding these sources provides insight into Shinto concepts of life, death, and the human body
- The treatment of impurity sources in Shinto reflects broader cultural attitudes and taboos in Japanese society
Death and blood taboos
- Death considered a major source of kegare, requiring extensive purification rituals
- Blood associated with both life force and impurity, necessitating careful handling
- Funerary practices designed to minimize spread of death-related impurity
- Historical separation of Buddhist death rites from Shinto life-affirming rituals
Childbirth and menstruation
- Childbirth viewed as a source of temporary impurity for mother and attendants
- Menstruation traditionally considered a monthly state of kegare for women
- Postpartum seclusion practices (satogaeri) linked to purification concepts
- Gradual shift in modern times towards more inclusive attitudes regarding these natural processes
Disease and injury
- Illness seen as both a physical and spiritual impurity requiring healing and purification
- Wounds and bodily fluids associated with kegare state
- Traditional belief in disease-causing spirits (yakubyō-gami) influenced purification practices
- Modern medical understanding integrated with traditional purification concepts in some contexts
Purification objects
- Shinto rituals employ various objects imbued with purifying properties
- These objects serve as tangible representations of purity concepts in religious practice
- Understanding the symbolism and use of purification objects provides insight into the material culture of Shinto
Sacred rope and paper
- Shimenawa (sacred rope) marks boundaries between pure and impure spaces
- Shide (zigzag-shaped paper streamers) attached to shimenawa to ward off evil spirits
- Gohei (ceremonial wand with paper streamers) used in purification rituals
- Paper (washi) considered inherently pure, used in various ritual contexts
Sakaki branches
- Evergreen sakaki tree branches used in purification rituals and as offerings
- Symbolize eternal life and connection to kami
- Utilized in construction of tamagushi (ritual wands) for ceremonies
- Planted near shrines to maintain a pure environment
Salt and water symbolism
- Salt (shio) represents purification and protection from evil influences
- Water (mizu) embodies cleansing properties in various forms (flowing rivers, waterfalls, ocean)
- Combination of salt and water used in hand-washing stations (temizuya) at entrances
- Symbolic use of salt and water in daily life extends Shinto purity concepts beyond religious contexts
Purity in daily life
- Shinto purity concepts extend beyond formal religious settings into everyday Japanese life
- These practices reflect the integration of spiritual beliefs with practical hygiene and social norms
- Understanding purity in daily life provides insight into the pervasive influence of Shinto concepts in Japanese culture
Cleanliness in home and body
- Regular cleaning of homes and workplaces seen as both practical and spiritually significant
- Bathing rituals emphasize purification of body and mind
- Removal of shoes before entering homes maintains separation of outside impurities
- Seasonal cleaning practices (osoji) linked to renewal and purification concepts
Purification before shrine visits
- Hand-washing and mouth-rinsing at temizuya (purification fountain) before entering shrine grounds
- Proper attire and respectful behavior during shrine visits maintain ritual purity
- Clapping hands and bowing at shrines serve as mini-purification acts
- Avoidance of shrine visits during times of personal impurity (illness, mourning)
Modern interpretations
- Contemporary Japanese society continues to engage with Shinto purity concepts in evolving ways
- Modern interpretations reflect the intersection of traditional beliefs with changing social norms and global influences
- Understanding these adaptations provides insight into the dynamic nature of religious practices in Asia
Purity concepts in contemporary Japan
- Emphasis on cleanliness and orderliness in public spaces reflects lingering influence of purity ideals
- Corporate purification rituals (ground-breaking ceremonies, office blessings) maintain traditional practices
- Reinterpretation of purity concepts in light of modern hygiene and environmental awareness
- Influence of Shinto purity ideals on Japanese aesthetics and design principles
Adaptation of rituals
- Simplified purification practices for convenience in urban settings
- Integration of technology in some shrine rituals (digital offerings, online purification services)
- Reexamination of gender-based purity concepts in light of changing social norms
- Increased focus on mental and emotional purity alongside physical cleanliness
Purity vs pollution
- The contrast between purity and pollution in Shinto thought extends to modern environmental concerns
- This dichotomy reflects broader tensions between traditional values and contemporary challenges in Japanese society
- Understanding the purity-pollution dynamic provides insight into evolving interpretations of Shinto concepts
Environmental concerns
- Traditional Shinto reverence for nature informs modern environmental consciousness
- Pollution of natural spaces seen as both physical and spiritual contamination
- Shinto shrines often involved in local environmental conservation efforts
- Reinterpretation of purification rituals to address global environmental issues
Spiritual vs physical cleanliness
- Distinction between ritual purity and hygienic cleanliness in modern context
- Increased emphasis on inner purity and ethical behavior alongside external purification
- Integration of scientific understanding with traditional purity concepts
- Debates over relevance of certain purity practices in contemporary society
Comparative perspectives
- Examining Shinto purity concepts in relation to other religious traditions provides valuable comparative insights
- This approach highlights both unique aspects of Shinto and universal themes in religious purity practices
- Understanding comparative perspectives enhances the study of Asian religions within a global context
Shinto purity vs other religions
- Similarities with purification practices in Hinduism (ritual bathing, sacred rivers)
- Parallels with Jewish concepts of ritual purity and impurity
- Contrasts with Christian emphasis on spiritual rather than physical purity
- Comparisons with Native American purification rituals (sweat lodges, smudging)
Universality of purity concepts
- Common themes of renewal, cleansing, and spiritual preparation across cultures
- Widespread association of water with purification in various religious traditions
- Universal concerns about contamination and the need for ritual boundaries
- Cross-cultural patterns in treatment of birth, death, and bodily fluids as sources of impurity
Key Terms to Review (18)
Amaterasu: Amaterasu is the Shinto goddess of the sun and the universe, revered as one of the principal deities in Japanese mythology. She is often associated with light, fertility, and the imperial family of Japan, believed to be her descendants. Her narratives are central to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki texts, where her emergence from a cave symbolizes the arrival of light and order into the world.
Buddhism Influence: Buddhism influence refers to the impact that Buddhist beliefs, practices, and cultural elements have had on various societies, particularly in Asia. This influence extends beyond religious practices to include art, philosophy, social structures, and rituals. Understanding this influence provides insight into how Buddhism has shaped cultural identity and spiritual life across different regions, especially in relation to concepts of purity and impurity in other religions, such as Shinto.
Chinese Cultural Influence: Chinese cultural influence refers to the impact that Chinese civilization has had on various regions, particularly East Asia, through its traditions, beliefs, philosophies, and practices. This influence can be seen in areas such as language, art, religion, and governance, often blending with local cultures and creating unique adaptations. The concepts of purity and impurity in Shinto are significantly shaped by these cultural exchanges.
Harai: Harai is a Shinto concept referring to the ritual purification process intended to cleanse individuals from impurities and misfortunes. This practice emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity, which is crucial in Shinto beliefs, as it allows for a closer connection to the divine and the kami, or spirits. The process of harai is often performed through various rituals, including the use of water, salt, or symbolic offerings, linking it to broader ideas of purity and the coexistence of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan.
Inari: Inari is a significant kami in Shinto, representing agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, as well as prosperity and fertility. Associated with foxes, Inari is worshipped in many shrines across Japan, where rituals and offerings are made to seek blessings for bountiful harvests and good fortune. This kami embodies the interconnectedness of nature, agriculture, and the spiritual realm in Japanese culture.
Kami: Kami are the sacred spirits or deities in Shinto, embodying elements of the natural world, ancestors, and revered figures. They play a central role in Shinto practices and beliefs, influencing various aspects of life, nature, and spirituality.
Kegare: Kegare refers to the concept of impurity or contamination in Shinto, often associated with death, disease, and misfortune. This term highlights the importance of maintaining purity in rituals and daily life, connecting deeply to practices related to worship and the treatment of sacred spaces. Kegare is a key aspect of Shinto beliefs that emphasizes the need for purification rituals to restore harmony with the kami, or spirits, and reflects the broader indigenous Japanese beliefs about cleanliness and spiritual well-being.
Kojiki: The Kojiki, or 'Records of Ancient Matters,' is the oldest extant chronicle in Japan, completed in 712 CE. It serves as a foundational text for Shinto, documenting myths, legends, and the early history of Japan, including the genealogy of the gods and the imperial family, thereby intertwining the divine and the political.
Misogi: Misogi is a Shinto purification ritual aimed at cleansing the body and spirit, often involving water and performed in natural settings. It embodies the deep-seated belief in the importance of purity within Shinto practices, connecting individuals to the sacred and facilitating a harmonious relationship with the kami, or spirits.
Nihon Shoki: Nihon Shoki, also known as the Chronicles of Japan, is one of the oldest written records of Japanese history, completed in 720 CE. It serves as a historical and mythological account, detailing the origins of Japan and its imperial lineage, while also intertwining Shinto beliefs and practices with historical events and figures.
O-harai: O-harai is a Shinto purification ritual aimed at removing impurities and restoring spiritual cleanliness. This practice is rooted in the belief that impurities can disturb one's connection to the divine, making purification essential for maintaining harmony and balance in both individual lives and the community.
Purity: Purity in the context of Shinto refers to a spiritual and physical state of cleanliness and moral integrity that is essential for engaging with the divine. It represents an ideal condition that must be maintained to participate in rituals and gain favor from the kami, or spirits. This concept of purity is closely tied to the notions of pollution, which can arise from various sources and disrupt one’s relationship with the sacred.
Purity laws: Purity laws are a set of regulations governing what is considered pure or impure, often within religious or cultural contexts. In Shinto, these laws guide practices and beliefs surrounding cleanliness, ritual purity, and the avoidance of impurities, reflecting the broader connection to the divine and the natural world. Understanding these laws is crucial for grasping how they influence Shinto rituals, community practices, and the relationship between humans and kami, the divine spirits in Shinto belief.
Ritual cleanliness: Ritual cleanliness refers to the state of being free from impurities, which is essential in various religious practices, particularly in Shinto. It emphasizes the importance of physical and spiritual cleanliness in maintaining harmony with the kami, or spirits, and ensuring that rituals are performed correctly and effectively.
Seimeikan: Seimeikan refers to the concept of 'spiritual purity' or 'life force' in Shinto, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a pure and harmonious spirit. This idea is central to Shinto beliefs about purity and impurity, influencing rituals, practices, and the overall approach to life. Seimeikan is not just an abstract notion; it reflects a way of living that strives for balance and connection with nature and the divine.
Shinto Purity Rites: Shinto purity rites are ceremonial practices in the Shinto religion that focus on maintaining and restoring purity, which is considered essential for communion with the kami (spirits or deities). These rites involve various rituals, such as purification through water, offerings, and prayers, aimed at removing impurities (or 'tsumi') that can arise from everyday life, sickness, or death.
Shrine: A shrine is a sacred place dedicated to a specific deity, spirit, or ancestor, often marked by an altar or a structure for worship and veneration. In the context of Shinto, shrines play a crucial role in expressing the relationship between humans and kami (spirits), serving as sites where rituals and offerings are made to maintain purity and appease these divine beings.
Tsumi: Tsumi is a concept in Shinto that refers to pollution or impurity, often associated with acts that disrupt the natural order or offend the kami (spirits). This idea plays a crucial role in Shinto beliefs, as maintaining purity is essential for a harmonious relationship with the kami. Tsumi is not merely about physical dirt but also encompasses moral and spiritual pollution, affecting one's connection to the divine.