The making of an American Shinto community
ABSTRACT: My work examines the formation and the current practices of a Shinto community in North America and what this community can teach us about religion in America. This community is called Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America and was established in 1992 by Reverend Koichi Barrish, the first non-Japanese Shinto priest in history. First, I use historical and biographical data to detail the formation of the shrine. Then, I provide a first-hand account of my experiences at the shrine and my interviews with people who participate in Shinto rituals. I have found that while the Shinto at the shrine authentic to its Japanese origins in that its practices come directly from its base shrine in Japan, the shrine's community has become successful by adding elements, such as Aikido or group water purification rituals, that would not necessarily be present in Japan. Furthermore, Tsubaki has managed to gain attention by maintaining extended networks outside of the shrine's local and religious community, and by being present in the online community in the form of a website and email listserv. Additionally, many people come to the shrine and get involved with Shinto because of the shrine's connection with Aikido. Others favor ritual purification practices. Still others see Shinto as a way to venerate the sacrality of nature, and become interested in learning more about it because of their love of nature or concern for the environment
Thesis, Dissertation, English, 2008
University of Florida, [Gainesville, Fla.], 2008