I live in Japan and was raised Shinto/Buddhist. Just wondering. =)
I'm starting to learn towards agnosticism (is that a word? sorry, English is not my first language) though.
R&S Expert - I'm only 1/3 Japanese. =)
Not bad but Buddhism is WAY cooler. As a Shinto-Buddhist your close to the top of the pack. PLEASE don't lose your incredible Japanese heritage and sell yourself out as an American wannabe -- we in the West LOVE your culture so please stick to it. Japan and its Buddhist heritage is THE COOLEST CULTURE on the planet bar none and I am in North America who grew up in Europe.
From my studies, it looks like it's based on actual historical people and events in Japan (from WayAuack in history) given spiritual/religious significance through the way the stories were told as they were passed down.
Are Shinto and Buddhism still the state religions of Japan? No matter. But Shinto seems terribly complicated and loaded with stories that seem to connect one more with ancient tradition than with spirituality. I guess that's where Buddhism comes it ... to sort of fill the gaps.
But Buddhism can be practiced as an atheistic religion. (I say CAN BE!) So if you regard Buddhism as a way of seeking wisdom (as Tao, for example), then you are already committed to an agnostic's position.
generally favorable, but I don't know much about it, respecting ancestors and all that, sounds good to me but it is not my religion or culture to know about.
It's attractive--at least superficially,
but neither it, nor Zen, stopped the rape of Nanking.
Nanking Massacre
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_of_nanking
What is your opinion of Shinto?
