Japanese Religion

Shinto (Way of the Gods)

religion of festivals and rituals (many promote fertility) no founder, sacred books, or teachers worship of kami (spirits who control the forces of nature) and ancestral spirits (clan gods and goddesses) reverence for nature

Relation to Royal Family Yamato rulers were priest chiefs. First emperors claimed decent from Amaterasu – Sun Goddess and leading Shinto deity.

Emphasis on Purification water salt sake

Things that Pollute dirt blood exposure to death

Worship is done at shrines, which are located at special places (mountains, rocks, trees, streams) and identified by a torii (wooden arch) and gohei (zigzag paper).

What to do at a shrine: Get clean by rinsing with water, taking a shot of sake, or rubbing salt on your hands. Get kami’s attention by clapping and bowing. Give offering: coins, rice, sake, fruit, or other food. Clap and bow again before leaving.

Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism was introduced in 552CE from Korea. concept of bodhisattvas (enlightened ones who delay accession to nirvana in order to help other humans)

Zen Buddhism 12th century Emphasized meditation, austerity, self-discipline, devotion to duty, unity of nature Zazen (seated zen or meditation) Koans (unanswerable riddles) Zen monasteries were centers of learning and the arts

Pure Land Buddhism 13th century rejection of monastic life (celibate and vegetarian) devotion alone could lead to enlightenment call faithfully on Amida (another Buddha) and he will lead you to the Pure Land very popular among the common people

gate looks like a building & statues are common Buddhist Temples gate looks like a building & statues are common

Buddha’s Nostril

What to do at a Temple Ring a bell – do not clap Leave flowers or a coin or burn incense

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Japanese Gardens

Pure Land vision of paradise lush, manicured landscape

Zen designed to stimulate and support meditation simple: few (if any) plants, large rocks and gravel dominate