Re: Shinto and Ninpo?
Originally posted by Gakkousei
I've recently become very familiar with the concept of the Kamidana before and after training, and i asked my instructor, but he had no definitive answer for me. So my question is this:
Does one have to practice Shinto and/or Mikkio Buddhism to experience all Ninpo/Budo has to offer?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Hi,
Here are my own personal thoughts.
I myself practice Shintoism for my own personal reasons, although in the Genbukan Dojo Tanemura Sensei teaches that the spiritual side of training is very important, but not really to follow one religion. The important thing is to train with an open mind and a pure heart. Ninpo has had a strong connection with Shinto / Buddhism throughout history and as we all know Takamatsu Sensei practiced both Shintoism and Esoteric Buddhism.
Personally I beleive to experience all Ninpo / Budo has to offer, yes, you must train in the spiritual side of things, but dont get me wrong, by studying Shinto or Buddhism etc.. wont make you a better Martial artist, but it will certinally forge your heart and spirit.
As for the Dojo Kamidana, many Kamidana in Dojo`s are just objects to focus on as most of them are empty as they have no deities enshrined in them. There is nothing wrong with this, as it is a good tool to help us concentrate and calm our mind ready to take on the training and as Grey Dorsai mentioned in his last post, the Kamidana in most Dojo are used to respect the training lineage.
The main thing is to be happy and enjoy your training! (this is the best spiritual training you can get)
just my pennys worth,
Brian Carpenter
Haruchi Umuchi Tsuzuchi !