Religions and Philosophies and Japanese Culture

Confucianism 5 Relationships –Ruler to Subject –Father to son –Husband to wife –Older brother to younger brother –Friend to Friend Filial Piety- Loyalty is to the family and not to the individual

Buddhism Reincarnation- the rebirth of the soul into another life form Goal is to reach Nirvana (perfect state of being) ending the cycle Follow 8 Fold Path to achieve Four Noble Truths

Zen Buddhism Emphasis on meditation and self discipline to achieve salvation

Shinto Kami- spirits live in everything Deep connection to nature Ancestors watch over people

Culture 400s more Japanese contact with mainland Asia Influence from Chinese and Korean cultures Buddhism comes to Japan, mixed with Shinto beliefs Adopted Chinese system of writing, everyday living, and government

Feudalism Large landowners set up there own armies Farmers agreed to work for landowners in exchange for protection Samurai “one who serves” became body guards of the rival lords Followed strict code called Bushido “the way of the warrior” Expected to be courageous, reverence for the gods, fairness, and generosity toward those weaker than himself

Tokugawa Shogunate Warrior chiefs emerged called Daimyo “great name” Tokugawa was a daimyo who united Japan in 1600 Became supreme leader called “Shogun” Moved capital to Tokyo Shogunate united Japan into a centralized power Haiku was developed