The Illustrated Guide to Shinto: Japan's Philosophy of Nature and Man's Place in the Natural World

What is Shinto all about? What is its relevance to life in the 21st century? This new illustrated guide has all the answers! The Illustrated Guide to Shinto offers highly detailed information on the origins and essence of Shinto practices and beliefs presented in a lively Q&A format with hundreds of entertaining infographics and drawings. A world of surprising facts and beliefs awaits you in 56 lively sections answering questions such as: What are Kami spirits? The divine presence flows through the natural world and is present in all things Who founded Shinto? It has no single founder, no specific doctrines and no set scripture What is its relation to Japanese mythology? Shinto's mythic origins is derived from enduring stories of trickster gods, reckless queens and deities ruling over mountains, oceans, even the mouths of rivers Dogs, horses, foxes—what's the significance of animals? Sacred animals are viewed as guardian spirits and divine messengers Rocks and trees wrapped with rope, what's that all about? Natural objects are viewed at sacred, the natural world a source of reverence and wisdom What exactly are toilet deities? More than protectors of the home, they also watch over the family health and safeguard childbirth Plus many other fascinating topics! This all-in-one guide offers information about Shinto that you won't find in any other book, presented in a highly visual way with extensive commentaries by leading Japanese Shinto experts.