Author
W. G. (William George) Aston
1841-1911
W. G. (William George) Aston (1841-1911) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by W. G. (William George) Aston
Shinto (the Way of the Gods)
"Shinto (the Way of the Gods)" by W. G. Aston is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book serves as an exploration of Shinto, the ancient religion of Japan, detailing its practices, beliefs, and development over time. It delves into aspects such as the pantheon of deities, the concept of kami, and the cultural and historical influences shaping Shinto literature. At the start of the work, Aston lays the groundwork for exploring Shinto by addressing its foundational elements and historical context. He discusses its rudimentary aspects compared to other world religions, touching on its polytheism and lack of a supreme deity. The opening also highlights how Shinto evolved from a primitive cult into a more organized religion, emphasizing its strong ties to Japanese culture and civilization. Additionally, Aston introduces various sources for studying Shinto, including ancient texts like the "Kojiki" and "Nihongi," which provide insight into its mythology and rituals.
Shinto: The ancient religion of Japan
"Shinto: The Ancient Religion of Japan" by W. G. Aston is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the origins, characteristics, and evolution of Shinto, the indigenous belief system of Japan, exploring its deities, rituals, and cultural significance. Readers can expect a comprehensive examination of the religion's fundamental concepts and historical development. At the start of the text, the author introduces the origins of the Japanese people, tracing their lineage and suggesting connections to Northern Asia and Korea. He emphasizes the lack of historical records regarding Japan's early religious practices and explores the influences from neighboring cultures, while positing that Shinto has largely developed independently. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of Shinto's kami (gods), the nature of worship, and the importance of purity and morality within the faith, hinting at complex interactions between Shinto and later introduced religions like Buddhism.