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Glimpses of World Religions
In Shinto Dharma, a mirror, a sword and a pearl-necklace are worshipped. The mirror is a symbol of holiness, morality, honesty and the virtues; the sword is suggestive of bravery, firmness and qualities of justice and the pearl-necklace symbolizes beneficence, gentlemanship and the virtue of obedience.
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Over and above these, prayers are offered by the followers of this faith, asking for worldly comforts and happiness. In the worship of Gods oblations befitting the substances of the God are made into the sacrificial fire. We do not find concepts of heaven or hell in this religion, and matters such as otherworldly aims like realisation of the soul also have no place in this religion. The necessary insistence is laid on the happiness and welfare of the people and the nation. The high sentiments of complete non-attachment or retirement (vairagya) natural to selflessness has a place in this Dharma.
In this religion a happy confluence of religion and patriotism is seen. This religion has contributed to a great degree to the progress of the Japanese people. The insistence on the virtues like honesty and integrity which are found amongst the Japanese people should be credited to this Shinto Dharma. Today also, among the existing religions of the world, this religion has a place of pride.
