Description: In The Essence of Shinto, revered Shinto master Motohisa Yamakage explains the core values of Shinto and explores both basic tenets and its more esoteric points in terms readily accessible to the modern Western reader. He shows how the long history of Shintoism is deeply woven into the fabric of Japanese spirituality and mythology--indeed, it is regarded as Japan's very spiritual roots--and discusses its role in modern Japan and the world. He also carefully analyzes the relationship of the spirit and the soul, which will provide informed and invaluable insight into how spirituality affects our daily existence. Through the author's emphasis on the universality of Shinto and its prevalence in the natural world, the book will appeal to all readers with an appreciation of humanity's place in nature and the individual's role in the larger society.
Customer Reviews
Review Summary: The Essence of Shinto
Date: 2008-01-24
Details: "respect for great nature" - that's the very essence of this brilliant book. Especially, Chapter 2 "What is Shinto?" and Chapter 3 "What is Jinja?" help you understand the way of thinking and feeling among Japanese. These two chapters summarize the spirit of Shinto (For beginners, it would be helpful to try reading these two chapters).
This book is the translated one from the Japanese original version and written in a kind of "Japanese style English", but it excellently carries the essence.
Review Summary: An Informative Overview From A True Believer
Date: 2007-08-12
Details: Motohisa Yamakage's The Essence of Shinto is a unique work in the annals of exploring Shintoism, the folk religion of ancient Japan. Unlike scholarly works that explore the religion from position of a researcher's emotional sterility, Yamakage writes from the perspective of the true believer as he is the 79th Grand Master of Yamakage Shinto and a respected and celebrated expert on Shintoism, its history and practice.
However, being that close to the subject also carries with it some inherent problems as the author finds it difficult to remain unbiased in discussing the classic religions of the western world. A well-earned mastery of Shintoism does not necessarily make one an expert in evaluating other paradigms.
Nonetheless, The Essence of Shinto is a wonderful addition to the library of any researcher who wants a readable and accessible overview of a folk religion that has played a major role in the shaping of the culture Japan. One caveat though. It is helpful, though probably not totally necessary, to have a basic understanding of Japanese culture before reading this work.
Sadly, this is the only volume written by Motohisa Yamakage that has been translated into English. His five-volume An Introduction to Shinto is available only in Japanese and it is this reviewer's hope that someday this important work will also be made accessible to Western reader. Until then, we can be grateful The Essence of Shinto fills an important niche in the Shinto library presently available.
Review Summary: Clear Exposition of the Essence of Shinto
Date: 2007-07-17
Details: The clear exposition of Shinto in this book has an authentic feel of a genuine transmission. Many books give bits and pieces of Shinto philosophy but do not hit the heart. The translation into English is clear and succinct. Due to the clarity of the understanding that is transmitted, I can easily adopt a 'Shinto perspective' to my own spiritual practice.
out of 3 Reviews
