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Other religions
Shinto is a traditional religion of Japan.
Taoism takes its name from Chinese word Tao, which means the ‘way’ or ‘path’ and refers to the Way of the Universe.
Shintoism
The name means ‘the way of the gods’. Shinto religion is closely involved with the landscape of Japan, and with the ancestors of believers. Shinto ceremonies appeal to Kami, the mysterious powers of nature, for protection and benevolent treatment. Kami is associated with natural features such as caves, rocks, streams, trees, and particularly mountains. At fixed times during the year believers gather to celebrate community ceremonies in Shinto shrines, but individuals often visit shrines to mark important stages or events in their lives. Some shrines are linked to particular Kami for example there are fox shrines, and wolf shrines. There are certain Kami which are associated with different aspects of life such as youth or old age.
Taoism
The Tao is a natural force which guides all life throughout the universe. ‘It is the deep source of everything. It is nothing and yet in everything’ (Tao Te Ching 4). Taoists believe that distress and suffering arise when people struggle against the Way of Nature, but that if they travel with the Tao their lives will be in harmony with the order of the universe. The order is kept in balance by the opposing forces of yin and yang -forces that are continually changing and interacting with each other, giving order to all life. Many Taoists believe that if they withdraw from the world to remote mountains or other secluded places they are much closer to nature and can discover the true meaning of the Tao.