Two central texts are revered by every Shinto religious group:
1. The Kojiki
2. The Nihon Shoki
The two texts almosts contains the whole mythological background of the Shinto religion while setting out the early history of the Japanese islands.
(1)
1. The Kojiki
2. The Nihon Shoki
The two texts almosts contains the whole mythological background of the Shinto religion while setting out the early history of the Japanese islands.
(1)
Two most important sacred writings that Shintoism have. In the eighth century CE, Emperor Gemmyo ordered that the oral histories of Japan be put into writing.
(6) |
Two volumes were produced:
1. Record of Ancient Matters (Kojiki) 2. Chronicles of Japan (Nihongi) The Chronicles of Japan, in particular captures the mythical nature of Shinto. It’s the language of mythology that Shintoism utilizes to communicate its origins. (6) |
Shinto texts are rich with imagery and symbolism. The following excerpt from the Nihongi speaks of the creation of heaven and earth.
Nihongi, The Age of the Gods, Book 1 Of old, Heaven and Earth were not yet separated, and the In and Yo (yin and yang) not yet divided. they formed a Chaotic mass like an egg which was of obscurely defined limits and contained germs. The purer and clearer part was thinly drawn out, and formed Heaven, while the heavier and grosser element settled down and became earth. The finer elements easily became a united body, but the consolidation of the heavier and grosser element settled down and became earth. Heaven was therefore formed first, and Earth was established subsequently. Thereafter divine beings were produced between them. |
Abushadi & Billy