What are the differences between Shintoism and Buddhism?

Although Shintoism and Buddhism are closely related, the two religions are quite different. The first point to remember is that neither religion is codified. Many different schools of thought exist within each. Furthermore, the two religions are not contradictory. On the contrary, the vast majority of Japanese people actually practice both.

Shinto ⛩️, the religion of life and kami

Shinto is the ancestral religion of Japan. It is believed to have existed since the Jōmon period (approximately 13,000 to 400 BCE) and is primarily practiced in Japan. This religion, endemic to the island, is centered on the kami . These are the spirits of nature (mountains, trees, animals, etc.), ancestors, and also the forces of the world. It seeks harmony with nature and purity. A perfect example to illustrate this would be the atmosphere depicted in Princess Mononoke .

The rituals are primarily purification rituals: one presents oneself to the kami, makes requests or offers thanks, and buys protective amulets. The term "vows," although widely used, is somewhat inaccurate: one does not "make" a vow in the Western sense; one humbly presents oneself to the kami in the hope of benefiting from their favor.

There are many different kami, each with a specific sphere of influence. It is a non-dogmatic religion , without strict sacred texts.

Shintoism does not use icons or figurative representations of deities : the kami are not represented by human statues, although some shrines sometimes use symbolic objects (mirrors, swords, sacred objects).

Buddhism 🏯, reincarnation, and the teachings of the Buddha

Buddhism 🏯 originated in India and was introduced to Japan in the 6th century. Its precepts aim to teach how to escape suffering through wisdom and meditation. The goal is to be mindful of one's actions in order to accumulate good karma. Karma is the sum total of actions performed (in this life and in past lives) and their consequences.

Good deeds bring good things, and vice versa. Beings are reborn in successive cycles until they reach nirvana, spiritual awakening, a state where there is no more suffering.

This religion is primarily associated with death and the ancestral world in Japan. Unlike Shinto, the image of Buddha is ubiquitous, and it is a highly iconographic religion.

Two philosophies that complement each other

Because one is associated with life and the other with death, a large portion of the Japanese population actually practices both. Shinto is reserved for births, weddings, and festivals, while Buddhism is more concerned with funerals. The two religions coexist harmoniously. In fact, some buildings contain both shrines and temples within the same complex.

The jinja , a Shinto religious building

Shinto sacred buildings ⛩️ are called shrines, or jinja (神社) in Japanese. You'll recognize them by the torii gate at the entrance. These are the large red gates, one of the symbols of Japan. Passing under the torii, you enter the realm of the kami. This is why it's normally customary to bow slightly before passing through it (although fewer and fewer people do this, especially in cities).

There is a honden (main building) where the kami is symbolically housed. The atmosphere is natural, and these shrines are very often found in verdant environments.

The shrines are run by kannushi (priests) and miko (assistants).

How to enter a jinja ⛩️: purification, offering and prayer

Upon entering, one purifies oneself by rinsing one's hands and mouth at a fountain ( temizuya ) following a specific ritual. The gestures are performed slowly and respectfully:

1. Purify your left hand: Take the ladle in your right hand. Pour a little water onto your left hand.

2. Purify the right hand: Change the ladle to the other hand. Pour water over the right hand.

3. Rinse your mouth (symbolically): Take the ladle in your right hand. Pour a little water into your left hand. Rinse your mouth lightly. Spit the water next to the basin, never into it.

4. Rinse the ladle: Hold the ladle vertically so that the water runs down the handle. Set the ladle down.

Prayer in Shintoism

To make an offering, a coin is thrown into the collection box ( saisen-bako ). All amounts are accepted, but it is often 10 or 50 yen coins. The bell is rung once (if there is one), one bows twice, claps twice, prays, and then bows one last time.

Ringing the bell is used to announce one's presence to the kami. It is only rung once per visit.

Please note: we observe a moment of reflection in front of the haiden (拝殿), which precedes the honden (本殿), the main hall. This hall is closed to the public in Shinto architecture, so we do not go beyond the offering box. The area behind it is not for visitors.

Ōtera, the Buddhist temples

Buddhist buildings 🏯 are temples, or ōtera (お寺) in Japanese. They are recognizable in particular by their numerous statues.

We find:

• The Buddha : depicted sitting, standing, lying down or walking, with specific gestures ( mudras ) symbolizing different spiritual states.

• Bodhisattvas : enlightened beings who help others, such as Kannon (compassion) or Jizō (protection of children and the deceased).

• The guardians : often fierce, they protect the temples and the teachings:

  • Shitennō : The Four Heavenly Kings.

  • Niō (Agyō–Ungyō): guardians with open mouths (Agyō, beginning) and closed mouths (Ungyō, end).

  • Komainu : lion-dogs guarding the entrances.

Another easily recognizable distinguishing feature is the pagoda. Its distinctive pointed shape houses sacred, often luxurious, objects. Other features of these buildings include meditation halls and bell towers. The temples are run by monks (bonzes).

How to enter a temple and how to pray🏯

There is no purification ritual to perform before entering a temple, and offerings are more symbolic. Incense is often burned before the Buddha.

The way of praying is different: one bows once, joins hands, prays in silence, then bows again.

There are bells in temples, but they are generally not for visitors, only for monks. Similarly, as with shrines, one does not enter the main hall (kondō) or the Buddha hall ( butsuden ). With few exceptions, these areas are not open to the public.

Generally speaking, whether it's a shrine or a temple, these are religious buildings. It's therefore important to respect these places, whether in terms of behavior, noise levels, or photography. Some temples have specific rules that completely prohibit photography.

Fun facts

Whether in temples or sanctuaries, food will sometimes be seen as an offering.

In some jinja shrines ⛩️, a few statues receive coins or food as offerings. This is often a way of thanking a particular kami (spirit), wishing for good luck, or following a local tradition. It is also very common at the foot of Buddha statues (especially Jizō) in temples.

On Google Maps, you may have been surprised to see the symbol 卍 when searching for a temple 🏯. This is the manji . In Japan, it represents life, good fortune, eternity, the compassion of Buddha, and the harmony of the universe.

There are two representations:

• 卍(to the left — hidari-manji ), symbolizing compassion and mercy;

• 卐(to the right — migi-manji ), representing strength and spiritual authority.

If it makes you think of an ominous symbol, it's because both originate from the same very ancient Indian symbol, the swastika , which is over 3,000 years old. That's why, in Japan, only the hidari-manji is generally used.