| Résumé: |
This research investigates the potential of the Japanese belief system Shinto as to responding to ecological issues. It situates itself within the research field of spirituality and ecology. Shinto is an indigenous belief which promotes the worship of its divinities, the so-called Kami, which are thought to be residing within natural elements. The Kami are at the same time perceived as distinct divinities which are worshiped at Shinto sanctuaries, the Jinja (of which exist more than 80'000 throughout the country), as well as a consciousness which permeates Nature. Alternatively, Nature itself is considered as Kami. For such reasons Shinto appears to harbor ecological implications. In reality it is not an easy task to define what Shinto means, and its descriptions are oftentimes vague or divergent. Nevertheless, it can be claimed that during the modernisation of Japan a core meaning of Shinto has gone lost, namely the proximity to its divinities which had been inherent to the Japanese people, as well as resulting ethical and spiritual implications. As of today, most Japanese do not question the core spiritual meanings of their own belief system and there is a general disdain against topics which touch upon religion or belief. This notwithstanding, during a field research, it has been repeatedly claimed that Shinto needs to reaffirm its core meanings which, through its conveyed spirituality harbors strong ecological implications, at the same time as being aware of contemporary ecological challenges. Besides, it also needs to admit past controversies such as its nationalistic implications or its incapacity of preventing past environmental degradations. |
Mémoire [9.7 Mo]