tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934741358915685354.post6306571650822241434..comments2024-02-26T05:18:55.357-08:00Comments on Motorcycle Philosophy: Motorcycles and ReligionSteve Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254867681706917705noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934741358915685354.post-54926512000448896032013-12-31T17:21:41.450-08:002013-12-31T17:21:41.450-08:00I just stumbled upon this site. I decided to do a ...I just stumbled upon this site. I decided to do a search of Jinja in Houston Texas, and motorcycling with Shinto. The wife and I were discussing the differences of New Year's celebration in Japan and America. I lived in Japan almost 12 years, met my wife there, learned to ride a motorcycle, and fell in love with Japanese culture. A perfect country for riding. I felt an energy from the land, culture and its people. It filled me with a certain level of peace that I have found no where else. Many people misinterpret Kami as only gods vs spirits. I see them as spirits and gods depending on their relation to the spirit word. I still have an omamori from Enoshima on my bike. I have always been open to different beliefs and found that motorcycles have opened a whole new viewpoint. Definitely a connection between spirituality and motorcycles, and I found that connection in Japan.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11768241884352537962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934741358915685354.post-11476242010511903992010-03-30T08:36:00.621-07:002010-03-30T08:36:00.621-07:00Very well put. I studied Eastern religions in col...Very well put. I studied Eastern religions in college and the differences between them and Christianity are fascinating. I don't believe in God either...at least in terms of the one we were all brought up to believe in. There's an old saying, "History is written by the Victors," as in those victorious in battles and wars. Study enough history, and you see that Western Christianity was no more than a way to control people through fear (ex-communication and so-called eternal damnation) and of course, a very much for-profit institution.<br /><br />James Clavell's novel "Shogun," and the early 1980's mini-series based on it, gave me my first glimpses into just how the Catholic church got so rich and powerful. It was also an outstanding example of East meets West culture-clash. The reason Christianity never took hold in Japan, is because the Japanese were never conquered by the English, Spanish, or the Portuguese. In fact, until the end of the second World War, Japan was never conquered by any other nation.<br /><br />So when you see where Western influence was NOT, and how different things are there in terms of religion, the answer should be pretty clear. Of course, since we're all so different, my answer is not necessarily yours or someone else's. All I can say is that I agree with you. I don't need God, or Allah, or any other non-tangible deity to keep my focus in life.<br /><br />Like you said, who cares where we go when we die? I'm more interested in where I go when I'm alive, and I enjoy getting there more when I'm on my motorcycle."Joker"https://www.blogger.com/profile/00123102968850707085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934741358915685354.post-19269763662348930872010-03-29T18:58:48.092-07:002010-03-29T18:58:48.092-07:00Very thought provoking. Yes, as a minister (and bi...Very thought provoking. Yes, as a minister (and biker) I have confidence in the answers my faith brings me, but regardless of your views, there is value in seeking out answers ... answers that come by keeping our eyes open.<br /><br />Enjoying the posts!<br />RobRobhttp://www.robdale.canoreply@blogger.com