Question

Describe the nature of the main spiritual beliefs in Japan during the Heian period and briefly outline how they originated.

Answer 1

Shinto (Japanese: 神道, romanized: Shintō) is a religion which originated in Japan. Classified as an East Asian religion by scholars of religion, its practitioners often regard it as Japan's indigenous religion and as a nature religion. Scholars sometimes call its practitioners Shintoists, although adherents rarely use that term themselves. There is no central authority in control of Shinto and much diversity exists among practitioners.