TABLE1 The characteristics of supernatural beings Characteristic Description Of two minds
SkillBuilder discussion Communicating 1. How is Shint̄o similar and different to other religions? 2. Are there any key things from religions you are familiar with that are absent or missing in Shint̄o?
When respected, they nurture and love, but when disregarded, they bring destruction and disharmony. They inhabit their own realm and are represented through sacred spaces or natural phenomena. They visit their place of worship but never stay there. Each kami has its own purpose or function for the space it is responsible for, and they fall into different categories depending on their role.
Not visible to humans
Mobile
Role-based
The oldest record of kami we have is from 927, when there were 3131 recognised kami . Today, there are over 8 million. Buddhism Buddhism was introduced to Japan via the Silk Road trade with China and Korea. Different forms of this religion arrived at different times and significantly influenced Japanese society’s interactions with neighbouring states. During later periods, Buddhism was used in administrative processes. To prevent Christianity from establishing a foothold, citizens needed certain permissions from Buddhist temples to engage in specific community activities. Practising Buddhism helped get these permissions, serving as a method of administration for several hundred years. Confucianism Confucianism, though not a religion, has had a significant influence over much of eastern Asia. It is a philosophy introduced to Japan in the third century, encompassing various philosophical movements and teachings. Practised alongside Japan’s other major belief systems, these teachings have greatly impacted Japanese societal development and interactions with other cultures. Notably, the samurai code of bushid̄o was heavily influenced by Confucian ideals. 9.3.2 The military state
In 794, Emperor Kammu moved the capital from Nara to Heian-kȳo (modern-day Kyoto), marking the start of the nearly 400-year Heian period. During this era, powerful nobles, or daimȳo, gained influence by controlling large rural estates, weakening the emperor’s authority. To maintain control and defend their lands, daimȳo relied on samurai warriors, who became a distinct and influential social class. The emperors depended heavily on the samurai to suppress rebellious daimȳo. Emperor Kammu awarded the title seii taish̄ogun (‘barbarian- conquering great general’) to Otomo no Otomaro, granting him significant military authority to maintain order. Over time, the sh̄ogun became the de facto military leader, a position requiring loyalty to the emperor and his family.
SOURCE5 The main gate to Nij̄o Castle, the palace of the sh̄ogun during the Tokugawa period, shows the power and wealth that the position accumulated.
218 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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