Eastern Philosophy Is Increasingly Becoming Term Paper

Their children became the deities of the various Japanese clans. One of their daughters, Amaterasu Omikami or "Sun Goddess," became the ancestor of the Imperial Family the chief deity, and her descendants united the country (Religious Tolerance).

The Shintoism philosophy deeply reveres and worships ancestors. All humans are considered "Kami's child," and therefore all human life and nature is sacred. Followers seek the will of Kami to have sincerity and a true heart and act in a way that is best for the group. The most important aspects in life are tradition and family, nature, worship of Kami and peace (Religious Tolerance).

Shintoism is very different from Buddhism, because it is based on a philosophy of a nation, Japan. Other major related differences include ancestral worship, that centers around the Imperial Family, the philosophy's lack of discussion regarding death, and the emphasis on goodness and cleanliness instead of pain and suffering. One expresses thankfulness for all that is good in the world. In present-day Japan, both the philosophies of Shintoism and Buddhism are followed, much due to the Buddhists being responsible for funerals and burials that is not done by the Shintoisms, as well as the concepts of life after death (Religious Tolerance).It is much easier for a Westerner to relate to the Buddhist philosophy, since many of its teachings are closer to those of the Judeo/Christian teachings. Also, essentially all followers of Shintoism are Japanese, thus it is difficult for a foreigner to embrace this philosophy. Unlike most other Eastern or Western beliefs, there is no book like the Bible or Koran to help a person gain more information about the religion. Rather, it is conveyed from generation to generation by experiencing the rituals together as a group.

Increasingly, Buddhist attitudes of peace, mindfulness and care for all living creatures have come to be the concern of many groups in the West. There are numerous Buddhist centers across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North and South America, which continue to attract the interest of Westerners in all walks of life.

References

Horizon Book of the Arts of China (1969). New York: American Heritage Publishing.

Religious Tolerance Org. Shinto. Website retrieved….....