Practitioner’s Episode 1 - "What is Shinto?" - With Rev. Lawrence Koichi Barrish

Hosted by filmmaker Yujiro Seki, Carving the Divine TV Podcast is a series of Q&A sessions with Buddhist scholars and practitioners. These Q&A sessions explore the basic concepts of Buddhism and the history of Buddhism so that when listeners finally watch the documentary film "Carving the Divine - Buddhist Sculptors of Japan" they will get the maximum value of the documentary. 

Today, we have the honor and privilege of welcoming Negi/ Senior Shinto Priest of Tsubaki America Shrine, Rev. Lawrence Koichi Barrish to talk about the basic foundation of Shinto idea and tradition.  To gain a deeper understanding of Japanese Buddhism, it is indispensable to get to know Shinto.  Besides that, Shinto is an amazing Japanese spiritual tradition which by itself is worth your time to learn about!   Please come and join our discussion about Shinto.  I assure you that it will open up your mind and teach you something very different yet inspiring! 
 
We will be asking important questions such as:
 
What is the belief history of Shinto? Is there any particular founder? 
 
What is the relationship between Shinto and Buddhism? 
 
What is Shinbutsu-shūgō? 
 
What is Kami? 
 
What are the examples of Kami? 
 
Is Buddha Kami? 
 
How can we venerate/worship Kami? 
 
How are Shinto activities in the US?  Is it becoming more popular?