Divisions and Sects
These words are a bit problematic as they imply dogmatic or theology differences of the different traditions.
This is quite a bit different than reality, as these traditions are very much focusing in different areas;
i.e. they actually may not be in conflict the way say Catholics and Protestants are.
With that all in mind, keep the "differences" between organized beliefs as less important. This page is
geared towards foreigners, and when a tradition is labeled "closed" it more means there's no way
for foreigners to join or participate and resources in English aren't a thing.
Terms
I solemnly swear that terms like "mountain cult" are not being used negatively. Cult here means:
"a body of adherents and rituals". Sect is only used for "kyoha" because SEO demands using erroneous translations.
The term ‘sect’ is a legacy translation of 教派 (kyoha) from the Meiji period; it does not imply theological opposition
like in Christianity, but rather administrative grouping.
Post-War Shinto Traditions
Understand that post-Meiji, Shinto traditions were reclassified, based and changed because of the separation
of Shinto from foreign beliefs, causing a rebase. Besides the infamous Kokka Shinto, the Empire created a
Kyoha tradition stream, focusing on beliefs that were apart from the state imperial cult. One of these,
Jingūkyō, was the basis for "Jinja Shinto" a regulatory body and association of jinja. Some Western writers incorrectly
treat ‘Jinja Shinto’ as a theological tradition; in reality, it is the administrative framework of the Association of Shinto Shrines,
largely inheriting Jingūkyō’s organizational role but without a distinct theology.”
As for others, the Kyoha label remains, but it is a historical distinction, independent shrines use "shinko" or tradition
to designate themselves apart. Outside of this group are localized "folk" practices which are unorganized, ungrouped,
unregulated beliefs of villages, towns and small cities. Folk practices are syncretic, but essentially "closed" to foreigners.
Kyoha Overview
There's a lot of odd labels applied to these groups online, so I'm going to particulary use care when addressing analogue terms because connotations
can break down in translation. Without further delay, a list:
- Izumo-Oyashirokyo - An association/tradition embodying the traditional Izumo beliefs of Shinto. They claim to be among the oldest traditions of
Shinto.
- Kurozumikyo - A tradition centred on worship of Amaterasu-Omikami and founded by the Kurozu family. They have an EN site: http://www.kurozumikyo.com/marukoto_e.html
- Fusokyo - A mountain cult, e.g. a tradition that venerates the kami of a mountain. In this case, Mt. Fuji.
- Ontakekyo - Another mountain cult focused on Mt. Ontake.
- Konkokyo - A tradition founded by Konko Daijin in the 1890s, known for worship of several kami such as Tenchi-Kane-no-Kami, a kami of en-musubi.
An EN site is here: http://www.konkokyo.or.jp/eng/bri/our_faith/religious_beliefs.html
- Shinrikyo - No, this is not Aum Shinrikyo. A Confucian/Sino Philosophy influenced belief, it is centred in Fukuoka Prefecture
and has very little open literature on its practices. Essentially closed to foreigners thus.
- Jikkokyo - Another mountain cult focused on Mt. Fuji.
- Shinto Shueisha - Another Confucian/Sino Philosophy influenced belief, and like Shinrikyo it's very hard to find info
- Omoto - A Shinto-derived NRM that joined in 1956 (the last member currently). There is debate about whether or not it is actually "Shinto"
anymore. Notable for its female-focused clergy, pro-Esperanto and UN activities.
Tenrikyo left in 1970, according to Kokugakuin, and has a monotheistic belief system centred on Nara Prefecture. It no longer calls itself Shinto.
Folk Practices
Throughout villages, towns and smaller cities in Japan are local traditions that deviate from organized practices by
having unofficial doctrine and rituals, syncretism, and no defined priesthood system. These vary widely and could include
Onmyodo, shugendo and other practices as a partial basis.
There exists a troubling trend of Westerners and partial-Japanese Westerners labeling themselves Minzoku (Folk) Shinto
to dodge critiques of their syncretic beliefs. Bar none, this is cultural misappropriation, racism and stupidity.
In order to legitimately practice such things, one would need to be fluent in Japanese, integrated into a community,
and that takes years, decades even. If you see this kind of behavior, correct, admonish and lecture them.
As a community, relations with those in Japan should be respected, and theft of traditions, such as
some sites inadvertently encourage should be stamped out.
Independent Traditions
Postwar, many shrines didn't join the Kyoha Rengokai, and also chose to abandon the Jinja Shinto Honcho,
in particular due to an Amaterasu-Omikami-centric belief set and mandates to offer ofudas for her.
Some major shrines, such as Fushimi Inari Taisha, are unaffiliated with the Association of Shinto Shrines, maintaining their own unique devotional focus and administration.
A page detailing this belief will come soon
Conclusions
Shinto isn't exactly a singular religion, but a collection of closely related beliefs and traditions embodying
many influences.
This page will be updated over time. The current dating is 2022-03-19. If you wish to archive this page, download it or use archive.today to do so.
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