The Intersection of Shinto and Axiology
Although Shinto is Japan’s native religion, it has strong historical roots in Japanese society and culture influencing many aspects of daily life. The ancient religion contains various teachings and beliefs that greatly influenced Japanese culture and the way they dealt with the many complications of daily life.
On the other hand, axiology is a core area of philosophy devoted to the careful analysis of ethics and values. Axiology dives into the essence of values and attempts to describe them so that they can be used as a basis for assessing their intrinsic goodness or badness in various situations.
In Shinto, axiology is very important, especially in the explanations of Makoto and Magokoro. Deeply embedded in Shinto ideology, the fundamental ideas highlight the importance of morality, honesty, and sincere feelings in everyday life. What is the essence of Makoto and Magokoro, their complex meanings, and their significant influence on the understanding and realization of Shinto rituals and beliefs?
Makoto: Concept and Meaning
In Japanese culture and religion, Makoto has an important meaning as one of the basic principles of Shinto belief. Derived from the Japanese term, “Makoto” means honesty or sincerity. It represents behavior characterized by pure sincerity and transparency free from hidden intentions or motives. The much-loved idea is held in high esteem not only in Shinto shrines. However, it also extends throughout Japanese society and cultural customs more broadly. Therefore, it demands the highest respect.
Makoto is fundamental in creating peaceful relationships with nature spirits, gods, and other people. In the Shinto worldview, being honest and upright is seen as important for maintaining spiritual balance and inner purity. It goes beyond simple outward behavior and includes maintaining the integrity of the deepest self. Shinto adherents believe maintaining purity of heart and cultivating a close relationship with the life-giving divine power of nature depends on practicing authenticity and sincerity in all aspects of their lives. It includes their interactions with other people.
Combined with unwavering determination, Makoto is overall sincere and honest to takes responsibilities and commitments very seriously. As adherents of the Shinto faith, the adherents realize that by maintaining the principles of Makoto, they create a mutually beneficial relationship with the spiritual world and promote peace with the gods and spirits of nature. In addition, careful cultivation of Makoto is very important to maintain social harmony and welfare. Therefore, it fosters an environment of integrity, mutual trust, and respect for one another—building the foundation for social cohesion and prosperity.
Historical Roots of Makoto in Japanese Culture
Makoto represents a strong dedication to sincerity and morality in speech, writing, and behavior. With its divine presence and natural order, it goes beyond simple sincerity to deeper harmony. It is considered to pervade the world in the Shinto belief. Being sincere towards oneself, others, and the divine power governing existence is what it means to be Makoto. It emphasizes honesty as a path to moral excellence and spiritual fulfillment—reflecting a harmonious relationship between the individual and the universe.
In ancient Japan, the origins of the concept of Makoto can be traced back to the early development of Shinto beliefs and rituals. In ancient Japanese culture, following moral principles and rules of behavior based on loyalty and sincerity was highly valued. Such a cultural ethos is expressed in Shinto teachings; Makoto emerged as a central idea guiding moral behavior and communal peace. As a lofty ideal, Makoto was revered as being pursued in literature, art, and philosophy throughout Japanese history.
In many aspects of Shinto culture and religious practice, Makoto can be found. Through rituals and ceremonies, practitioners aim to develop respect and sincerity. With sincere intentions and a pure heart, it comes to God. Another way Makoto manifests itself is in people’s desire to uphold peaceful ties with nature and honor the spirits of their ancestors. Additionally, Makoto influences the way people interact with each other. Among community members, it encourages mutual respect, empathy, and trust.
Makoto’s philosophy has important ethical consequences because it guides society’s moral judgments and social relations. Shinto adherents prioritize honesty and integrity. They live virtuous lives characterized by humility, compassion, and empathy. Makoto promotes stewardship and care for the earth entrusted to humans by supernatural powers by encouraging a strong sense of responsibility towards humans and the environment. Guided by Makoto’s values, integrity, loyalty and trust are highly respected qualities and form the basis of cooperation and social cohesion in society.
Despite Makoto reflecting high values, there are difficulties and disagreements in its use in modern culture. Specifically, the search for honesty and authenticity is a challenge in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. This is especially true in situations where personal interests and societal norms are incompatible. There are also differences of opinion regarding how to interpret Makoto and whether it is still in line with contemporary moral principles. Proponents of Makoto argue that despite the difficulties, the idea persists as an enduring and universal idea across cultural differences and appeals to the core human desires.
Magokoro’s Connection with Nature and the Divine
Apart from Makoto, Magokoro is another idea within the Shinto religion. It captures feelings of sincerity and deep sincerity. In the richness of Shinto beliefs, Magokoro is more than just a word; it is the embodiment of a true connection with nature, god, and humanity. It is a series of feelings, such as respect, gratitude, and compassion towards the divine spirit permeating everything.
Within the Shinto spirituality network, Magokoro invites people to recognize the true sacredness and beauty of nature and to cultivate a close relationship with it. The deep respect is shown not only to other people. However, it is also several kami (or spirits) held in high esteem in the Shinto religion. Sincerity is the foundation of healthy relationships—whether with the elements, God, or each other.
In addition, Magokoro penetrates many aspects of daily life. It gives every moment a sense of authenticity and respect. In the sacred grounds of a Shinto shrine, people communicate with kami channel their Magokoro, and express their most personal feelings in a truly sincere way. Often, the offering is performed simultaneously with the action; it is a sign of gratitude and respect for being chosen to represent their sincere intentions.
By a long shot, the Magokoro spirit is deeply embedded in social and familial ties and transcends the boundaries of the ceremonial context. Shinto believers understand the transformational power of Magokoro in creating harmonious and caring bonds in human interactions. Magokoro’s embrace of others is considered a sacred practice because it can foster a beneficial and cheerful social environment where people can develop empathy, compassion, and genuine appreciation for each other.
Principles of Magokoro Philosophy
Often translated as “true heart” or “sincere heart,” Magokoro symbolizes the sincerity and purity inherent in one’s intentions and actions. In addition to going beyond pretense and superficiality, it highlights the importance of real emotions and honesty in interpersonal relationships, going beyond pretense and superficiality. According to Shinto beliefs, Magokoro is necessary for peaceful interactions with kami, nature, and other living creatures.
The principles include:
- Sincerity: The essence of Magokoro’s philosophy lies in sincerity. It includes being honest with ourselves and others, expressing genuine emotions, and acting with integrity and honesty in all endeavors.
- Respect for Nature: Shinto considers nature to be sacred, filled with divine spirits or kami. Magokoro’s philosophy emphasizes respect for nature, prioritizing management, and an ecocentric attitude that prioritizes sustainability and harmony with the environment.
- Gratitude and Humility: Magokoro fosters a sense of gratitude for the blessings of life and recognition of one’s connectedness to all existence. It encourages humility, awareness of the limitations of human understanding, and the amazing majesty of the universe.
- Harmony and Cooperation: In Shinto, the concept of Wa (or harmony) is fundamental. Magokoro advocates cooperation and mutual respect between individuals, communities, and all living things, fostering peace and cohesion in society.
Magokoro’s philosophy is realized and strengthened through various Shinto practices and rituals:
- Purification Rituals: Shinto rituals such as misogi (purification with water) symbolize the cleansing of impurities from the body and mind, increasing inner clarity and sincerity.
- Offerings and Prayers: Offerings of food, sake, or symbolic items express gratitude and sincerity towards kami, strengthening the connection between humans and gods.
- Nature Worship: Shinto ceremonies are often performed in natural environments such as forests, mountains, or shrines, facilitating communion with kami and fostering respect for nature.
- Community Festival: Matsuri (festival) celebrates the cycles of nature, community bonds, and blessings from kami, embodying the spirit of Magokoro through joyful gatherings and collective rituals.
Magokoro’s philosophical principles have broad implications for individuals, society, and the world at large:
- Personal Growth: Practicing Magokoro cultivates inner peace, authenticity, and emotional resilience, cultivating holistic personal development.
- Social Cohesion: Magokoro fosters empathy, cooperation, and respect for diversity, laying the foundation for a harmonious and inclusive society.
- Environmental Management: By promoting respect for nature and sustainable living, Magokoro’s philosophy inspires ecological awareness and responsible stewardship of the Earth.
- Global Ethics: Magokoro’s inherent principles of sincerity, gratitude, and harmony have the potential to become the foundation of an ethical framework and encourage cross-cultural understanding and cooperation on a global scale.
Interplay between Makoto and Magokoro
The concepts of Makoto symbolizing honesty and sincerity, and Magokoro symbolizing the true nature of the heart, emerged as fundamental axiological pillars in the context of Japanese culture. They serve to underscore the importance of morality, integrity, and sincere emotions in everyday life. Makoto acts as a guiding principle, directing individuals toward actions rooted in honesty and an unwavering commitment to fulfilling promises. Such devotion to Makoto fosters the maintenance of inner purity and fosters a sense of harmony in one’s relationship with the spiritual realm. Instead, Magokoro requires cultivating a sense of sincere gratitude and deep respect for nature, divine entities, and fellow humans. It not only shapes the rituals and practices of the Shinto religion but also permeates various aspects of the norms and values of Japanese society. Makoto and Magokoro serve as guiding lights, illuminating the path to balance and harmony in Japanese society, influencing perspectives on life, and guiding actions toward preserving balance.
Bibliography
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- Matveenko, V. A. (2012). The Specificity of Japanese Understanding of Truth (Makoto) and the Concept of True Heart (magokoro). Far Eastern Federal University.
