Shinto has its own unique set of moral codes, beliefs, and practices that govern how followers interact with one another, including their sexual lives. In general, Shinto does not place restrictions on sexual behavior outside of marriage; however, strict celibacy is still highly valued in certain sects. This article will explore why strict sexual renunciation is relatively rare in Shinto and what this says about the religion's understanding of sexuality as a whole. It will also consider the implications for individual practitioners and broader cultural attitudes towards sex.
Historical context
Before delving into the specific teachings of Shinto regarding sexuality, it is important to understand the religious and cultural context from which they emerged. As a traditional Japanese faith, Shinto was heavily influenced by Confucian and Buddhist values that emphasized harmony, order, and respect for authority figures. These values are reflected in many aspects of Shinto practice, including the importance of maintaining good relationships with family members, colleagues, and superiors.
Sexual taboos
One way in which these values were expressed was through strict social norms surrounding sexual behavior. Prior to World War II, premarital sex was widely frowned upon in Japan, and those who engaged in it risked being shunned or even banished from society. Although this attitude began to change in the post-war era, many people continued to view sex as something to be reserved exclusively for married couples within their own social class. This cultural expectation likely played a role in the development of Shinto teachings about sexual morality.
Contemporary views
Today, most forms of Shinto do not explicitly prohibit any form of sexual activity outside of marriage.
Some sects, such as the Tendai school, place great emphasis on celibacy and renunciation of worldly desires. In these cases, followers may engage in limited sexual relations only to produce offspring; otherwise, they are expected to abstain entirely. The rare exceptions are often viewed as special cases, such as when a person has been called to serve as a priest or monk. Even among lay practitioners, though, sexuality is seen as an integral part of life, and there are few taboos against expressing one's desires within marriage.
Implications for understanding sexuality
The relative openness of Shinto towards sexuality contrasts sharply with other religions that strictly forbid certain behaviors.
Buddhism generally discourages all forms of sexual expression except procreative sex between married couples. This approach can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and repression among believers, which can negatively impact their relationships and overall wellbeing. By contrast, Shinto encourages its adherents to embrace their sexuality while also maintaining respectful and harmonious relationships with others.
Individual experience
For many people, this blended attitude towards sexuality is liberating and empowering. It allows them to explore their own desires without feeling guilty or ashamed.
It can also create confusion about what is acceptable and appropriate behaviour within various social contexts. People who practice Shinto may feel torn between traditional values and modern attitudes towards intimacy, leading to tension and conflict within their personal lives.
Why is strict sexual renunciation uncommon in Shinto, and what are the implications for religious and cultural understandings of sexuality?
Although some scholars suggest that premodern Japanese society was sexually repressed and that its social structure prohibited sexual intercourse outside marriage, research indicates that many Shinto shrines and rituals celebrated fertility, including human procreation. It is argued that this reflects a deep connection between Shintoism and nature and that it emphasizes the sacredness of life as an integral part of the natural world.