Shinto – Asian Art Museum

Film Focus: This video gives a brief introduction to the practice of Shintoism, especially as it pertains to common practices at Shinto shrines.

Text Focus: Pages 432–434, 446–447, 458–460

Discussion Questions:

1. What does kami mean? Explain this concept as if you were explaining it to someone who has never heard of it before.
2. Where might you find a Shinto shrine? What distinctive characteristics will it often have?
3. Before you enter a Shinto shrine, you pass through a torii which separates everyday space from sacred space. Discuss this notion of sacred space. Where have you seen this idea in other religions you have studied in this course?
4. Discuss the cleansing procedure that followers of Shinto complete before entering a shrine. What other religions participate in ritual cleansing practices?
5. What are some things a follower of Shinto might do as they visit a Shinto shrine?

*Ave Maria Press has requested permission to link to this video for use in the classroom as part of the accompanying lesson. If for any reason, the producer does not wish this video to be included on this site, Ave Maria Press will remove it posthaste.