Suika Shintō
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Suika Shintō was a syncretic Japanese religion that blended the moral code of Chinese Neo-Confucianism, particularly the philosophy of Chu Hsi, with native Shintō doctrines. It was developed by Yamazaki Ansai, who was initially a Buddhist monk before embracing Confucianism. Ansai simplified Neo-Confucianism to "devotion within, righteousness without," imbuing these concepts with religious meaning.1
He identified Neo-Confucian metaphysical principles with Shintō deities and creation legends. This amalgamation, which also emphasized the divine origin of the imperial line, contributed to later Japanese nationalism and emperor worship. Suika Shintō was part of a broader intellectual movement in 18th-century Japan that saw growing interest in Shintō, particularly concerning the shrine at Ise.12
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- Yamazaki Ansai
This amalgamation was known as Suika Shintō.
Read MoreThis amalgamation was known as Suika Shintō.
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JapanShintō and kokugaku…distinctly Confucian bent, called the Suika form of Shintō. Anzai was only somewhat atypical of Edo thinkers: born in Kyōto, he became a Zen monk but later returned to lay life and embraced Confucianism. After years of teaching Confucianism, he studied several forms of Shintō—notably Watarai and Yoshida—before formulating his…
Read More…distinctly Confucian bent, called the Suika form of Shintō. Anzai was only somewhat atypical of Edo thinkers: born in Kyōto, he became a Zen monk but later returned to lay life and embraced Confucianism. After years of teaching Confucianism, he studied several forms of Shintō—notably Watarai and Yoshida—before formulating his…
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