Page 269 - Islam and Far Eastern Religions

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its to the temple shrines, where they perversely revere their imaginary
deities, participate in rituals, sermons and meetings and generally

abide by the traditions of their forefathers.
Those who partake in Matsuri, a Shinto festival taking place in the
shrine, purify themselves beforehand with dietary restrictions lasting
anywhere from a few hours to a few days, as well as bathing in salt wa-
ter. Then the Kami are asked to enter the objects they are expected to
occupy, which is often a symbol. No doubt, a call in vain. It is incom-

patible with rationality to believe that “Kami” which can be a stone,
fish or mountain can hear or help them. Then offerings of food and pre-
sents are made to the kami. The priests make calls to their idols which
cannot possibly hear or answer them. Offerings are hung onto the
branches of trees that are, in their own eyes at least, considered sacred.
Ritualistic music is played and people dance. Then the offerings are re-
moved and the kami are asked to leave. People sometimes have the be-
lief that the kami occupies a mobile object or idol, and they parade

It is estimated that the number of Shinto tem-
ples, where peculiar traditions are invented,
in Japan as a whole is some 100,000.

Harun Yahya (Adnan Oktar)