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BUDDHISM

RELIGION HISTORY Temple Shinto Funeral

Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BC. Its central theories are that life is full of egoism, hatred and suffering; however by leading lives free of egoism, hatred, and the like, one can improve his/her position through reincarnation and may reach the state of Nirvana which is free of suffering. Buddhism was imported to Japan in 538 or 552 in form of a present from the king of the friendly Korean kingdom of Kudara (or Paikche). The new religion was welcomed by the ruling nobles while the common people did not understand its complex theories. After a few conflicts with the native religion Shinto, the two religions soon were able to co-exist harmonically and even complemented each other. During the Nara period, great Buddhist monasteries like the Todaiji gained strong political influence which was one of the main reason for the government to move the capital first to Nagaoka (784) and then to Kyoto (794). During the Heian period, two more "Japanized" Buddhist sects were founded: the Tendai sect in 805 and the Shingon sect in 806. The Tendai sect later split in further branches, which started to fight against each other. The problem of militant monasteries was a main issue for the governments during many centuries of Japanese history. In 1175, the Jodo sect (Pure Land sect) was founded. It found followers among all different social classes since its theories were very simple and based on the principle that everybody can achieve salvation by strongly believing in the Bodhisattva Amida. The Jodo sect has still the largest number of followers in today's Japan. In 1191, the Zen sect was introduced in Japan. Its complicated theories were popular particularly among the members of the military class. In Zen, one can achieve self-enlightenment through meditation and self discipline. The Lotus Hokke sect, was founded by Nichiren in 1253. The sect was exceptional due to its intolerant and militant characteristics. Nichiren Buddhism still has many millions of followers today. Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi fought the militant Buddhist monasteries (especially the Ikko or Pure Land sect) thoroughly in the end of the 16th century and practically extinguished Buddhist activities on the political sector. Nowadays about 90 million people consider themselves Buddhists in Japan. However, the religion does not directly affect the everyday life of the average Japanese very much. Funerals are usually carried out in a Buddhist way. Many households also keep a small house altar in order to remember their ancestors.

BUDDHISM Buddhism Studies Lots of information. Buddhism: Internet Resources (World Cultures) List of links. Japanese Buddhism and Its Impact on Japanese Culture: An Observation (Chiba University Behavioral Science Cognitive Information Sciences) Essay about the influence of Buddhism on the Japanese culture. SECTS International Research Institute for Zen Buddhism Lots of information. Zen@SunSITE (SunSITE) Lots of information and links. No links yet.