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The Shinto ethic of roundedness is called Makato where good is found in inner harmony, sincerity of heart, good will, and cooperation, while selfish desires, social discord, hatred, and a malevolent heart only serve as an invitation for evil to enter your life. Some Shinto virtues to be emulated are: observation of Shinto Rites with attentiveness, purity of heart, and authenticity; gratitude for the blessings of the Kami and the beneficence of ancestors; and helpful service to others and the world without regard for reward. Ancient folk beliefs and rituals were deeply rooted in a distant past. Remains with magical significance have been discovered that are from the Jomon period around 200 BCE. Shinto has ripened into four main forms: Jinja Shinto (The Shrine Shinto), Koshitsu Shinto (Shinto of the Imperial House), Minzoku Shinto (The Folk Shinto), and Shuha Shinto, (The Sect Shinto). Shinto perceives the sacred in nature and the presence of deities in trees, rivers, thunder, stones, waterfalls, mountains, and valleys. The numinous Kami are worshiped, as well as, the ancestral and guardian spirits, and the spirits of national heroes. The Sun Goddess, Amaterasu is the Chief of the Kami, and the patron deity of Japan. Worship of the Kami usually takes places in shrines located in the beauty of nature, but they may be revered anywhere. Local shrines where festivals take place are the focal point of the community. Every home has a Kamidana, Kami goddess god shelf, which is the focus of daily offerings and reverence.
Some Shinto virtues to be
emulated are: observation of Shinto Rites with attentiveness, purity of heart,
and authenticity; gratitude for the blessings of the Kami and the beneficence of
ancestors; and helpful service to others and the world without regard for
reward.
Over time, Shinto has ripened into four main forms: Jinja Shinto (The Shrine Shinto), Koshitsu Shinto (Shinto of the Imperial House), Minzoku Shinto (The Folk Shinto), and Shuha Shinto, (The Sect Shinto) There are no Shinto scriptures per se but there are certain writings that embody the spirit of Shinto and are central to it. They include: the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) classics which contain the mythology of the Kami, the founding of Japan and its imperial line, and the records of the early emperors. They also include the Engishiki, the Shinto ritual texts on purification; and, the ritual dances of the Kagura-uta; and the Man'yoshu, (Anthology of Poems). Shinto sacred spirits that are the objects to pray to for blessings and grace and to worship for their spirituality. The Kami can take various forms including: the forms of natural elements like trees, rocks, mountains, the wind, and the sun; the forms of national heroes and protectors of family clans; or abstract things like fertility. Kami are the only things that have great influence on daily life. The Kami are neither omnipotent nor omniscient. In Shinto mythology, the Kamiah that gave birth to the land of Japan failed at first and had to ask for help from other Kami in heaven who told them to search for the answers through the practice of divination.
There are no absolutes or
perfect Kami. The people worship the divine spirits, Shinrei, because they have
great influence in their lives, and they are in awe of the Magatsuhi Kami who
bring evil into them...Continue on
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Shintoism
Shinto Shrine Kami Way 
