Exploring the Religions of Our WorldChapter 8 Japanese Religions

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsThe BasicsShinto (the indigenous religious tradition of Japan) emerged from Japans prehistoryJapanese religion is an amalgamation of religions:ShintoConfucianismBuddhismTaoism

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsPeriods of Japanese Religious HistoryPage 325

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsHistory The basic myth of the creation of Japan and its people: kami (spirits) emerged just after the beginning of heaven and earth and created other kami

both the mythological and historical emperors of Japan are from an unbroken line originating in the sun goddess

the Japanese have long believed that they, their land, and their emperor, have divine origins, setting them apart from all the world

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsHistory (continued)Chinese Influence:Japanese indigenous religion adopted the Confucian notion of li (proper behavior)aspects of Confucianism and Taoism were adopted and adapted into the indigenous religious expressionShinto was the name of the indigenous Japanese religion given by the Chinese

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsHistory (continued)Forms of Buddhism in Japan:Heian Period (794-1185)Buddhism became the prominent religious traditionTendai Buddhism and Shingon Buddhism were introduced to Japan

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsHistory (continued)Many sects of Buddhism flourished during the Kamakura Shogunate (1185-1333):Vajrayana BuddhismTaught Enlightenment is possiblein this lifetime; elaborate rituals;secret Transmission of insight;instructive scripturesTendai BuddhismFocused on the Lotus Sutrawhich taught thatEnlightenment was universal Pure Land BuddhismTaught that all had theopportunity to be reborn inblissful Pure Land by showinggreat devotion to Amida Buddha

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsHistory (continued) and two schools of Zen Buddhism:Rinzai ZenBelieved a person could gainimmediate Enlightenment;emphasis on the use of the koanSoto ZenBelieved Enlightenment wasa gradual process;emphasized seated meditation (zazen)

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsHistory (continued)Two notable koans:When a tree falls in a forestWhere no one is present,does it make a sound?What was your face likebefore your parentswere born?

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsSacred Stories and Sacred ScripturesShinto has no official sacred texts. These are considered authoritative and significant for both the religious and historical heritage of the Japanese people:The KojikiRecord of Ancient Matters(a compilation of the oral mythsand legends of the Japanese people)NihonshokiChronicles of Japan(the history of Japanbeginning with theJapanese creation myth)

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsBeliefs and PracticesKamiare not gods but rather it has to do with whatever is sacred, such as the natural world (mountains, rivers, trees, rocks) can be human beings, the emperor, great warriors, poets, scholars, and wise ancestorsfocus on aid and protectionare both creative as well as destructiveare prayed to in local or national shrines, in homes or in nature

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsBeliefs and Practices (continued)Important things emphasized in Japanese living:HarmonyLoyaltyTheextendedfamily/clan

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsSacred TimeMatsuri is the name for Japanese festivals:OmisokaThe Year-End Festival(day of preparation forNew Years Day)Shogatsu The New Year(three day celebration)Hina Matsuri Girls Day(celebrated bydressing dolls intraditional costumes)Kodomo no HiChildrens Day(public holiday withtradition of kite flying)Obon(three day festivalcelebrating thereturn home of ancestral spirits for a short time)

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsSacred Places and Sacred SpacesThere is no place that is not sacred on the land of Japan because all of Japan has a divine origin.Some special places:The Natural World(mountains, rivers,trees, boulders)Ise(shrine for the imperial familyin ancient Japan)TemplesShrines(home, local,and national)

Chapter 8 Japanese ReligionsJapanese Religions through a Catholic LensSimilarity:Sacred time is defined as the extraordinary within the ordinary --- a taste of the infinite in the finite Differences:Rather than using the four seasons of nature to help designate sacred time while Christians use Easter as the central event of the Christian yearThe liturgical year is based on significant events in the life of Christ and his Church rather than the four seasons of nature

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