IndexShinto​Buddhism​Shinto – 'The Way of the Gods'Shinto in practiceBasic beliefs of Shinto in JapanZen BuddhismZen through the tea ceremonyConclusionShinto​The oldest faith in Japan is Shinto, which means 'the way of the gods'. There is neither a founder nor prophets and there is no major text that outlines its main beliefs. Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion, which began around 500 BC Its name comes from the Chinese words "Shin Tao" in the 8th century AD ​ The Shinto religion is practiced by approximately 80-90% of Japanese people. Approximately 3,000,000 people worldwide practice Shinto. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayBuddhism​Buddhism is a faith founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”) more than 2,500 years ago in India. ​ With approximately 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism to be one of the world's major religions.​ Its practice has historically been most important in East and Southeast Asia, but its influence is growing in the West. Shinto – 'Way of the Gods' Before Buddhism in Japan, individuals had their own organization of spiritual beliefs and ritual practices. Japan's early occupants were inspired by nature such as magnificent rivers, mysterious forests and snow-capped mountains, that individuals began to believe in the kami (spiritual beings) of these places. ​ In essence, there were no requirements for special cult buildings, but later kami were worshiped in a chief's palace or in a shrine arranged on a sacred site. Purity is symbolized by the mirror as it reflects exactly what it sees. It is found in Shinto signs and represents purity and honesty, as well as the kami worshiped in the shrine to enter. Since ancient times, unique entrance gates known as torii marked shrines. Earlier forms of torii included two upright shafts connected by a crossbar. The last piece of wood underneath kept the structure stable. This was seen as an approach to bring Kami to earth and separate the "real" world from the spiritual one. Shinto in practiceAfter Buddhism, the cult of the Kami was given a conventional structure and given the name "Shinto", meaning "way of the gods". Emperors used Shinto beliefs to support their position, misleading minorities into believing they were a royal family descended from the sun goddess until World War II. ​Fundamental beliefs of Shinto tradition and family: Birth, marriage, and other ceremonies related to family life are particularly substantial. ​Love for nature: contact with nature is equivalent to interaction with the gods. ​Physical cleanliness: Washing of the body, hands and mouth are considered in visits to Shinto shrines or shrines. Religious Holidays: Honoring spirits provides opportunities to celebrate with others. ​Buddhism in Japan In the 6th century, Buddhism arrived in Japan from China and Korea, and was soon adapted by ruling families. ​ A large Buddhist temple was founded in Nara during the 8th century. ​ During the unsettled times of the Kamakura period (12th century), the Japanese adopted new Chinese forms of Buddhism, such as Zen Buddhism. ​Zen BuddhismZen emphasizes self-discipline through meditation: Buddhists sit silently like the Buddha in the lotus position to control the breath and empty the mind. ​This fascinated numerous people, especially the warrior class as they were bound by the shogun, putting them under a lot of stress. Zen Buddhism was often expressed through archery as one had mastery of bow and.