...Europe impacted society greatly, and so did Buddhism in Japan. Economies of both lands were essential to development of national finances. Religion and economics let Japan and Europe flourish, increasing the influence of Christianity and essentiality of merchants in Europe, and the significance of Buddhism and trade in Japan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ In Medieval Times, pastors had a great influence on society. Pastors, according to thefinertimes.com, “interacted with the commoners on a daily basis.” Priests taught in schools because they excelled in literature. They listened to confessions...
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...Buddhism and Confucianism have both been adopted by citizens and governments alike. However, it is important to understand that Confucianism is a philosophy while Buddhism is a religion. Both of these have been adopted by nations such as China, Japan, and Korea because of their main schools of thought, and because of their applicability to state problems. Buddhism aims to attain Nirvana, which effectively breaks the cycle of birth and rebirth that brings with it the karma gained from the past life. On the other hand, Confucianism is a philosophy that is more oriented towards having a society that is structured and orderly. Taking these two side by side, the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean governments have used their principles to guide their...
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...‘There is no “single” Asian past. We must always acknowledge the diversity of experiences related to class, gender, ethnicity, religion, caste, family and kinship arrangements, or other indices of social differentiation, to fully appreciate the complex history of Asia.’ The area known to us as Asia sits on the eastern side of the landmass of Eurasia and is the largest continent, encompassing a staggering 17 million square miles. Asia is home to a variety of cultures, religions, governments and mindsets, giving it a wide base for a complex history involving largely different groups of people. These different groups, or ethnicities, all formed their own histories over time, which when combined together give Asia more than one past, they arise into an intricate and comprehensive history fashioned by a diversity of experiences. Therefore, there is no ‘single’ Asian past; we must delve into each single experience to gain insight into the prolific and wide ranging history that gathers under the one banner of ‘Asia’. Each country within Asia has its own geographic links to other nations and cultures. These links were expanded on by exploration, trade routes and missionary ventures. These vital networks allowed cultural influences to travel from country to country, resulting in each nation in Asia receiving different influences from the next. In turn, this led to widespread variety amongst individual countries. These networks were invaluable to allow the able interaction of cultures...
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...Essentials of Japanese Aesthetics Japanese aesthetics that existed since very long in the history of Japan, had flourished in the larger world as a philosophical discipline "aesthetics" in the nineteenth century (Parkes). West have been admiring Japanese aesthetics for it has "distinctive principles of aesthetic understanding and art appreciation" (Andrijauskas). Japanese art provides "a glimpse into a world often construed as inscrutable and mysterious", which makes it more interesting for the West (Low).Unlike other western disciplines,Japanese aesthetics is not only limited to fine arts. Traditionally, Japanese aesthetics existed in different art forms such as tea garden, tea ceremony, Noh theatre. Today, itis widely practiced in daily activities such as cooking, packaging, behaviors and etiquette (Encyclopedia).As Japanese aesthetics is firmly rooted in everyday life, it is very unique to the world. The ideals and philosophies of Japanese aesthetics are highly influenced by Shinto, Zen Buddhism and China (Walkup). Japanese aesthetics has a wide range of philosophies, which are narrowed down to two main ideas: acknowledging the basic reality of constant change and connecting it to the practices of self-cultivation experienced in daily life (Parkes). Influence of Shinto, Zen Buddhism and China Japanese aesthetics understanding is developed by indigenous Japanese religion, Shinto and China. The inspiration of exaltation of nature became an essence to Japanese aesthetics through...
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...population practicing this religion, Buddhism with 66.8%, and Christianity with 1.5%. The total adherents exceed 100% because many people practice both Shintoism and Buddhism (World Factbook, 2015). Shinto, or the “way of the spirits or deities,” began to take form in Japan’s early period before the sixth century C. E. Shinto deities, or kami, were seen as infusing the natural world. Uniquely shaped trees, mountains, rivers, and rocks were all considered kami, but human beings could be viewed as kami as well. Since early Shinto did not have a founder or produce sacred texts, it was through common rituals that the religion was transmitted. The goal of the rituals was to maintain...
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...Research Paper Topic: Buddhism Michael Kolbe July 21, 2010 Research Paper Religions of the World MW 6:00-9:15 Abstract/Thesis: The Religion Buddhism comes from the story of Gautama Siddhartha. Siddhartha was prophesized to be a world ruler or a spiritual leader, and despite his parents attempts to facilitate the former he chose the latter. It was originally founded in India, but spread to other parts of Asia, Including China and Japan. In China and Japan the differences in culture force Buddhism to be changed slightly in some cases and a little more in others. Bothe China and Japan have started schools/sects that differ from the original Buddhism. In this paper I will explain the teachings and Origin of Buddhism and briefly describe some of the schools/sects that have sprouted up in China and Japan. After describing these schools/sects I will compare them and their principals to those of the original Buddhist teachings from India. This paper will describe how Buddhism spread across Asia and became known as a religion rather than just teachings. Buddhism is a Religion, founded in India, which came from the teachings of Gautama Siddhartha or “the Buddha”. Although no missionary movements were developed, Buddhism was still spread around Asia. The spread occurred because of Shakyamuni Buddha, who was a teacher. He traveled around to different kingdoms sharing his teachings to those that would listen. (The Spread of Buddhism in Asia 1) Even though he instructed...
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...Brief History of Buddhism: Buddhism basis its principles and practices on the virtues of peace, loving kindness and wisdom. One of the basic beliefs of Buddhists is the conviction that happiness and good fortune are attainable to all, regardless of age, race or background. They believe that all negative mental states can be overcome through the practice of meditation and by learning how to meditate; humans can develop peaceful and positive states of “virtue” and be able to solve the problems associated with their daily lives. Reincarnation is another belief of Buddhists. They believe that humans are reborn after dying and adhere to the notion that most humans go through many cycles of birth, life, death and rebirth. These cycles will end when the attachment to desire and the self is released. Once this achieved, a state of freedom from suffering is accomplished. This is the state of Nirvana and the desired destination for believers. Zen Buddhism: Both the words “Zen” (Japanese) and Ch’an (Chinese) derive from the Sanskrit word Dhyana, meaning “meditation”. Zen Buddhists focus on attaining enlightenment (bodhi) through meditation as Siddharta Gautama did. It teaches that all human beings have a Buddha- nature or the potential to attain enlightenment, within them, but the Buddha – nature has been clouded by ignorance. To overcome this ignorance, Zen rejects the study of scriptures, religious rights, devotional practices and good works in favor of meditation leading...
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...Laura Gutmann Japanese Literature 4/23/14 Final Exam #2 (Death) A recurring theme seen throughout traditional and modern Japanese literary works are the topics of death and religion. It is common knowledge that any person on any given day may be faced with death, regardless of whether it is expected or not. In any culture, people recognize that every living thing must eventually die, because life does not exist without death. This belief is very prominent in Japanese culture and exists in all kinds of traditional and modern Japanese literary works. In this class, all of the readings seem to have something in common: Death is inevitable. Although all of the readings seem to deal with the topic of death in many different ways, I believe that the different representations of death are subsumed under a single point of view. In The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu and The Mother of Captain Shigemoto by Tanizaki Junichirō, Buddhism is a key element in the understanding of the Japanese view on death. In The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu, there are many instances in which the relationships between death and Buddhism are evident. This traditional novel, written in the 10th century, describes an aristocratic worldview in the Heian period, therefore allowing for a closer look at the religious and spiritual understanding of the Japanese during this time. While Shinto influence is mentioned in the novel, Buddhism, a popular religion in Japan, plays a part in the...
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...C Roberts Jr ETH/125 Lyron Baggerly October 2, 2014 The Asian Buddhism religion differs from other religions, as other religions differ from other religions. Asian Buddhism is unique, as it stands on its own, no other religion believe the same as Buddhism believes. Well maybe Atheist may believe one belief of Buddhism. But can we really consider Atheist as a religion. I assume we can, simply because it is a way of living and it holds morals and values. But I am not here to talk to you about Atheist; I am her to talk you about the Asian culture and their Buddhism religion. Asian Buddhism differs from other religions, except Atheist, in believing there is no God almighty that rewards or punishment on judgment day. A Buddha is not like Jesus Christ, who saves others by his own salvation. Although a Buddhist seeks refuge in the Buddha as their primary guide that represents the path of purity, but their do not completely surrender to him. A Buddhist does not think that he can gain purity by solely seeking salvation in Buddha or by pure faith in him. It is not within the power of a Buddha to wash away the impurities of others (BuddhaNet.com). Buddhism does not practice faith without questioning by all Buddhist followers. It places emphasis mainly on self-reliance, self-discipline, and individual striving. Buddhism believes in the concept that one is to be reborn, rather than reincarnated. In addition, Buddhism rejects that after life we are transformed into a permanent soul, or...
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...Clergy: Sages, bureaucrats, etc. Priests, etc. Definition: Follower of Confucius. Way of the gods. Concept of Deity: Most believe in One God(Ti'en; or Heaven), but, in the way that a Deist would, rather than as a Christian or a Sikh would. Ancestors are also worshipped. Numerous deities. The sun is one of the most important ones(they believe that the sun is a goddess). Practices: Visit to temples to pay homage to Ti'en(God or Heaven), Confucius, and/or ancestors. Neo-Confucianists practice 'Jing zuo,' or 'Quiet Sitting,' as a kind of meditation. Visit to shrines to pay homage to Shinto deities; Shamanism, etc. Use of statues and pictures: Permitted. Permitted. Branches: Neo Confucianism, Han Confucianism, Contemporary Confucianism, Japanese Confucianism, Vietnamese Confucianism, Singapore Confucianism. State Shinto, Religious Shinto, and Folk Shinto. Literal Meaning: Follower of Confucius. The Way of the gods. Goal of religion: To have a structured society. To serve the Shinto deities, or Kami, as they are known. View of other Abrahamic religions: Confucianism sees no contradiction in following more than one path. N/A. View of the Buddha: Buddha is followed by many Confucianists. Buddha is followed by many Shintoists. Place and Time of origin: China approx. 2500 B.C. Approx. 5,000 years ago.Japan Belief of God: God's will is done. Numerous deities. Angels: There is no concept of angels in Confucianism. Shintoists worship numerous spirits, called Kami. View...
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...Shintoism was the main religion of Japan before Buddhism, which is as of now the fundamental religion of Japan. Shintoism is a simple religion. It gives just a single order, the need of being faithful to one's predecessors. Shintoism has around many divine beings, for the most part, the worshipped legends of the Japanese. The main god is Amaterasu, the Sun God, from whom the Imperial Family of Japan follows its underlying foundations (Van Voorst, 2013). Shinto is a religion of formal customs. Its ceremonies are coordinated particularly to the normal universe of the Japanese islands and optionally to the historical backdrop of the Japanese state. Confucian esteems have motivated much of Japanese social morals, supplemented by more individual...
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...Huineng was the sixth patriarch of Ch’an Buddhism and was considered one of the founders of Ch’an Buddhism, next to Bodhidharma. He lived in the seventh century and made huge contributions to Chan Buddhism. He was an illiterate kitchen monk who lived with the fifth patriarch of Chan Buddhism, Hongren. Hongren, who was significant to the development of East Mountain Schools, taught Huineng and lead him to reach enlightenment. The legend, The Platform Sutra on Meditation and Wisdom, attributes the teaching of both gradual and sudden enlightenment to Huineng; the sutra is one of the most well known in the East Asian Buddhist world. The legend shows the divergence between Northern School of Ch’an advocating gradual enlightenment and Southern...
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...Introduction The decreasing interest of Japanese people on Buddhism raises challenges required temple priests to come up with several approaches to re-attract people. Priests with conservative ideology prefer preserving traditional rituals while some other priests with innovative mindsets suggest applying experimental Buddhism. To address advantages as well as disadvantages of each approach, this essay will analyze the case study between Midnight Nembutsu representing the traditional way and Honen-in Sanga as the innovative outreach. Midnight Nembutsu vs Honen-in sanga Midnight Nembutsu is the well-known event occurring annually from 8:00 pm of April 18th until 7:00 am of April 19th at the Chion-in Sanmon in Kyoto City since 1996. During this occasion, practitioners are offered an opportunity to chant the Buddha’s name, specifically...
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...Buddhism is a religion practiced by around 350 million people in the world. The practice of Buddhism is a journey that involves spiritual development, insight, and self-awareness. In fact, the word ‘Buddha’ means ‘one who is awake’. A Buddha is free from greed, hatred, and ignorance. The Buddhist religion teaches people to be fully responsible for their lives. Buddhists believe every action has a consequence, and change can be made. Buddhism differs from other religious groups in many ways. First, there is no almighty God in Buddhism. Buddhists do not believe in heaven and hell, or judgment day. The idea of sin does not exist in Buddhism. In addition, the relationship between a Buddha and his disciples is that of a teacher/student, not a God and his followers. Another difference between Buddhism and other religions is there is no savior concept. A Buddha does not have the ability to wash away impurities. They believe in cause and effect. There is an action, and a reaction. Also, the concept of “Hell” is different in the Buddhist religion. Buddhist does not believe that “Hell” is a consequence, or eternal damnation. Instead, it is one of the six realms of Samsara (the worst of three undesirable realms). Samsara is a fundamental concept of Buddhism. It is the ‘perpetual cycles of existence; or endless rounds of rebirth among the six realms of existence. Because Buddhists practice self-awareness, enlightenment, and responsibility they do not judge other religions...
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...Japanese Zen is a distinct form of Buddhism from the Pure Land and Lotus movements, but it is arguably similar as well. Nembutsu Buddhism is, in fact, the most different of the three. It argued that all other practices were useless and that this path was the only one that led to salvation. Since they were in the mappoo period, or the beginning of the end of times, one could only chant “Namu Amida Butsu” to get into the Pure Land. The Pure Land was the only way because enlightenment couldn’t be achieved during the mappoo period. Honen’s one-page testament, Selecting the Nembutsu of the Original Vow Collection, basically claimed that one didn’t have to understand the teachings of Amida but merely recite them to be accepted into the Pure Land. Nichiren and Zen Buddhism are a lot more similar to each other in that they believe enlightenment can still be reached. They believe in sutras, Nichiren in particular claimed the Lotus sutra to be of highest regard, and bodily being able to become a Buddha. Nichiren Buddhists and Zen Buddhists both believe that afflictions and sufferings in birth and death are a form of liberation and that Buddhahood must be expressed in one’s daily life. The biggest difference between the two is that Zen Buddhism values silent meditation and Nichiren Buddhists chant. Japanese Zen would not exist without its Chinese roots. Zen originated in China, and even the name Zen itself is derived from a Chinese word that was derived a Sanskrit word meaning...
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