Two (2) Major Eastern Religions. Shintoism And Buddhism

FOCUS ON SHINTOISM AND BUDDHISM
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Shintoism is practiced predominantly in Japan. Buddhism, the fourth largest religion in the world, is practiced in countries like; China, Sri Lanka, Japan, Laos, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Bhutan. Whereas both religions have rituals and tenets regarding life like avoiding sexual misconduct, Shintoism is concerned with upholding traditions and purity while Buddhist focuses on enlightenment, ending suffering and the afterlife.
Shintoism is a collection of traditions and beliefs originating from Japan and borrows heavily from Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. It has no specific founder and encompasses divination, reverence of shaman’s healing powers and spirit possession. It is a polytheistic religion with the many deities believed to inhabit both the living and the dead. These deities are known as Kami and can either be benevolent or destructive. Buddhism religion originated from ancient India with the Buddha as its founder. His teachings from Sramana traditions, were spread by his followers and over time evolved into three main traditions; Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana.
Shintoism focuses on ritual purity through physical washing and honoring of gods (deities). It also places emphasis on love of nature, traditions and family. Buddhism is concerned with triumphing over suffering, rebirth and the cycle of death. Followers strive for enlightenment to gain wisdom and inner peace. Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama, taught the Four Noble Truths explaining why humans hurt and the Eightfold Plan to overcome suffering CITATION Rob171 \l 1033 (Robert Wright, 2017). This spiritual milestone is called; the attainment of nirvana.
Particular teachings of Shintoism stress the need to avoid Kegare (impurity) with various rituals of purification done to ensure spiritual health. Spiritual pollutants include witchcraft, d...