What are the Differences between Shinto and Buddhism?

Both Shintoism and Buddhism are practised widely throughout Japan. Although Buddhism originated around the 6th century in India and was later brought to Japan by Chinese priests, Shintoism is regarded as the indigenous religion of modern Japan and has been practised since the 8th century.

Here are several key differences:

Different Doctrines:

In Shintoism, also known as the Way of the Gods, every living thing is thought to have a spirit or “kami” and these spirits are worshipped at the shrine; even inanimate objects like mountains, wind, or rocks are seen to have kami. Buddhism is not animistic like Shinto; instead, Buddhists believe in reincarnation and that human beings can reach enlightenment and be regarded as Buddha.

Shinto is a polytheistic religion which allows its followers to worship many different kami; however Buddhism, despite having various sects, has a very clear doctrine.

Different Holidays:

Most Japanese follow both the Shinto and Buddhist beliefs as can be seen in the enthusiastic celebration of their holidays. The three top festivals that are celebrated every year in Japan, namely the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and the Tenjin Matsuri in are Shinto. However, Obon, the summer festival which honours ancestors, is a Buddhist celebration and one of the busiest times of the year for Japanese families.

Funerals are usually Buddhist ceremonies with the deceased being cremated as Buddha was cremated. On the other hand, weddings are traditionally Shinto but these days mixed with Christian elements.

The Japanese tendency to blend their religious beliefs is seen in the common saying: “Born Shinto, married Christian, die Buddhist.”