The Living Way: Stories of Kurozumi Munetada, A Shinto Founder

by Sumio Kamiya

These stories about Kurozumi Munetada (1780-1850) show us a spirituality for everyday living. He was a Japanese priest, poet and healer who looked to the needs of all humankind. We see in them Shinto affirmation of life, for he was a healer of both spirit and body. He was a teacher, showing people of all walks of life the Confucian emphasis on sincerity as the principle of true life. The key to both sincerity and health is overcoming egoistic attachment, a basic teaching of the Buddhist side of Japanese culture. Making it all possible is devotion to Amaterasu the Kami of the sun, who entered his life in a moment of ecstatic unity and who may be realized in each moment of anyone's life as the source of happiness and vigor. His ability to show how that is so drew thousands to his side in his lifetime, sparking a movement that continues to this day in the Kurozumikyo Shinto denomination.

250 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Rhett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Perhaps, were I studying Shintoism, then I may have found the book worth reading (and finishing). However, while some of the stories were interesting, most were of little value to me.

[Teresa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another valuable resource for those that are interested in the day to day of Shinto.