Religion in Japan

Introduction Shintoism is the indigenous religion of Japan. Trading led to the diffusion of the many different cultures. The Japanese were influenced by India, China, and Korea which brought Buddhism. Buddhism didn’t replace Shintoism. both religions adapted over time.

What is Shintoism? Shintoism was founded around 600 bce Followers of Shinto worship spirits called kami. Kami are impressive natural objects, such as wind, lightning, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, large trees, unusual stones, animals and sometimes the emperor.

How is Shintoism expressed in Japan? People love and respect each other and the beauty of nature. Tradition and the family: The family is seen as the way in which traditions are preserved. many celebrations related to birth and marriage. Love of nature: Nature is sacred; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the kami. Natural objects are worshipped as containing sacred spirits. Physical cleanliness: Followers of Shinto take baths, wash their hands, and rinse out their mouth often. Matsuri: Festivals in which the worship and honor is given to the kami.

What is Buddhism? Buddhism was created in India in 500 B.C. by Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha, taught that life was full of pain and suffering in an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. You could escape this cycle by following the Eightfold path which leads nirvana, a sate of perfect peace. When in nirvana, one will never be born again into a life of suffering. Siddhartha became Buddha or “enlightened one” Buddhism’s moral code is respectful and mature, and wisdom is achieved through meditation.

Zen A particular type of Mahayana Buddhism. Emerged in Japan around 1100, and was particularly favored by the Samurai culture. Zen teaches meditation in order to “awaken,” and live in the immediate present, be spontaneous, and liberated from self conscious and judgmental thoughts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W Ai2fwUqN4

How did Buddhism get to Japan? When India traded with China and Korea, the Buddhist religion was passed on. When it spread, a new form of Buddhism was created called Mahayana Buddhism. Its followers believed in bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas are spirits who help others reach enlightenment. Mahayana Buddhism came to Japan in 522 when a Korean King sent the Japanese emperor a statue of Buddha and a recommendation for a new religion. Buddhism was greeted with resistance, but in 585 it was recognized by Emperor Yomei. Emperor Yomei got sick, and his son, Prince Shotoku prayed to Buddha everyday. Finally Emperor Yomei recovered and converted to Buddhism. Prince Shotoku became fond of Buddhism and created many Buddhist temples.

Cultural Diffusion The emperor and his court adopted, Buddhism. They admired Buddhism’s wisdom and rituals, and they considered the Buddha a protector of families and the nation. However, Buddhism didn’t replace Shinto. Buddhists built shrines to kami and Shintoists enshrined Buddhists. Even today, ceremonies to celebrate birth and marriage often come from Shinto, a joyful religion. Funeral ceremonies are Buddhist, the religion that acknowledges suffering and pain.

Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism From the 17th century on, the influence of Buddhism gradually declined and was dominated by the rise of the rival religious and political philosophies of Shintoism and Confucianism. Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism were later completely separated. Shinto was in state politics. Buddhism functioned in the sphere of religion. Confucianism was in the moral religion.

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