Question

interaction between Shinto and Confucian thought on a particular issue in religion and life. (You can determine the focus.) Begin by explaining Shinto thought on the issue, and then Confucian thought on the issue - and then show where they interact.

Answer 1

• Shinto is Japan’s indigenous religion. Shinto refers to diverse and localized religious beliefs, ritual practices, and institutions. On the one hand, Shinto encompasses local community practices, while on the other it also includes the elaborate and highly structured ceremonial practices of the imperial institution and, in earlier historical periods, of the state. From its beginnings in early Japanese history, Shinto has been profoundly influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
• The Shinto beliefs and attitudes toward nature which are relevant to the problem of environmental preservation include three key points. First, great value is accorded sacred space and time, generally as shrines in groves, the boundaries of which are demarcated as distinct from the secular world.
• The second point notes a close relation between nature, deities (kami), and human beings. The interactivity of those three is such that human beings also act upon the world they inhabit with nature and deities. Preventing the natural world from devolving into a state of chaos is the goal of certain ritual action.
• Finally, the idea of purification is a key aspect of all ritual activity in Shinto. Purification (harae) is performed to reestablish order and balance between nature, humans, and deities
• Confucianism is concerned about is how to live your life properly. To be a good person, to serve your family and your nation. It does not take a firm line towards religion. You don't need to believe in God to be a Confucianist. Nor does faith in God prevent you from being a Confucianist.
• Confucianism is a socio-philosophical movement aimed at bettering society.  Its primary purpose is to achieve harmony, the most important social value.Confucianism strongly emphasizes:Mercy,Social order,Fulfillment of Responsibilities.
• The interaction of both depends upon the belief of living a good life rather than dying.Confucianism is about harmonious relationships in society; and Shinto is about living in harmony with nature and society through the Kami. (respect for family, respect for nature, cleanliness of body and mind, celebration of the harmony between humanity and nature through the Kami). Both actually have a positive outlook towards life and living in unison.Both believe in highly structured ritual.
• Japanese intellectuals did try to integrate Confucian and Shinto perspectives. Motoori Norinaga followed Confucian thinking but instead postulated that the Japanese know what is virtuous not from Heaven, but from the kami. Because kami are native to Japan, Norinaga believed only the Japanese truly know what is virtuous and thus only the Japanese could build the perfect harmonious society. He therefore took the Confucian harmonious society concept and nativised it, beginning Japan’s experiment with nationalism.