日本神道教的历史作用

Historical Role of Japan's Shinto

神道教是日本人所独有的宗教信仰,它是在日本固有信仰的基础上不断融合外来文化而逐步发展形成的民族宗教。神道教首先是一个历史产物,按其发展阶段,可以大致分为自发的原始神道、神佛接触的神社神道、国家神道、现代神道四个阶段。同时,神道也是一种复杂的社会现象,在日本历史上曾发挥了无可替代的作用,主要表现为:神道教是大和民族成长的要求,是日本统治阶级的政治需要;神道教是构建近代日本民族国家的文化基因;神道教是近代日本对外扩张的理论基础和精神动力;摒弃政教合一,回归神道本性的现代神道教是现代日本精神生活的主要支柱之一。探讨神道教的历史变迁及其影响,对于正确认识日本独特的思想、文化、民族心理将大有裨益。

Shintoism is the unique faith borne by Japanese and has formed a kind of national religion through continuously fusing Japan - inherent faith with foreign cultures. It as the product of historical development can be classified into four stages ： spontaneous and primary Shinto, shrine divinity - worship Shinto, state Shinto, and modern Shinto. Meanwhile, Shintoism has become a complicated phenomenon, playing an irreplaceable role in Japanese history and mainly showing the following aspects： Shintoism represented the requirement for Yamoto growth and political needs of ruling classes; it formed the cultural gene for Japanese modern state, theoretical basis and spiritual power to seek external expansion; abandoning caesaropapism and modern Shin- to＇ s returning to the nature of Shintoism were the major aspect of Japanese spiritual life. Discussing the historical changes and impact of Shinto is of great benefit to correctly grasp the thoughts, culture and national psychology of Japanese nation.