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Samurai, warfare and the state in early medieval japan summary
The impact samurai had on medieval Japanese society
Similarities of shintoism and the Japanese
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The development and evolution of the different sects of Japanese Buddhism such as Zen Buddhism played an important role in the development of classical Japanese culture throughout the four major periods, which was shown in the way that the Nara period, the Heian era, the Kamakura period, and the Edo period were all shaped by the ascent and decline of different Buddhist sects. It is these transitions that make Japanese history a myriad, but fascinating web of interconnecting events that manages to confuse even the most veteran historians. At first, Buddhism was only a pastime of the elite class of landowners and daimyo that held no special significance to the common peoples. It was mainly another way for the central government to gain power and influence among the many local lords that it had to contend with on a regular basis. Although it is to be noted that most of these new converts to Buddhism did not abandon their earlier religions, but instead blended it together with several aspects of Shintoism, the original indigenous religion of Japan(“Japanese Buddhism”,1). This created several amalgamations of the two religions wherever and whenever they met(“Japanese Buddhism”,1). However, as Buddhism was introduced to the general population through the process of hierarchical diffusion, it quickly branched off and evolved from its original form as different sects that shaped contemporary Japanese culture (Kasahara, 302). Buddhism was first introduced into Nara Japan through trade with Han China and reportedly, a few ambassadors from the Chinese imperial court appeared at the emperor’s palace one day bearing the finger bone of Buddha, among other gifts, to present as a gesture of goodwill in order to be allowed to spread their religio... ... middle of paper ... ...ost totalitarian discipline of the Mahayana school of Buddhism, and the spontaneity of the Tao. It also combines in elements of neo-confucianism that serve to make the school altogether more rigid and unyielding in its ways (“Zen”,1). This was probably why the military liked it so much, for it was simple, yet highly disciplined, making it impossible to confuse or reject its demands. Because of this, Japanese society became slightly more ordered and rigid, especially with regards to the Samurai class which totally embraced the philosophies of Zen Buddhism. In fact, this caused some conflict between the peasants and the Samurai class because, as the peasants believed that the Samurai were being unjust in forcing them to follow such strict rules and guidelines, there were several riots that erupted throughout the more rural provinces of Japan (“Japanese Buddhism”,1).
Yu, Han. “Memorial on Buddhism”. Making of the Modern World 12: Classical & Medieval Tradition. Trans. Richard F. Burton. Ed. Janet Smarr. La Jolla: University Readers, 2012. 111-112. Print.
...e mechanical and robotic rather than humanistic. As seen in the examples above from Zen at War, the bushidô code embraced Zen , and connected with the religion by interpreting Zen into the previously militaristic lifestyle. Thus pushing forward the militarization of Zen within Japan. As Zen began to integrate itself within the bushidô code and later developed into imperial- Buddhism individuals began to further interpret the scripture and ideas from Zen in ways to further justify war and violence.
The first people known to have practiced Shinto were believed to be tribes who lived in fishing and farming villages along the coasts of Japan. Each tribe worshipped it’s own deity, or kami. A significant reason for Shinto’s undefined history is that Shinto’s traditions and rituals have only been orally passed down for numerous centuries. For several centuries, Shinto was practiced in Japan without interference until the emergence of Buddhism during the 6th century. When Buddhism was first introduced, it was hard to separate the two from one another because Shinto did not have an official name yet. As a result, people grouped Shinto beliefs and traditions under “Shinto,” which translates to “the way of the kami,” while Buddhism translates to “the way of the Buddha.” In addition to this conflict, Buddhism and Shinto competed for the favor the Japanese people, but Buddhism initially won this conflict when Emperor Hirohito led the people in abandoning Shinto in 645 (Lee). However, the separation between Buddhism and Shinto did not exist for long because the two soon grew to coexist and complement each
Originally from Japan, Soyen Shaku was the first Zen master to arrive in America. His followers urged him not to come to a nation that was so ill-mannered and uncultivated and that the Japanese were facing extreme discrimination. Shaku’s countrymen Hirai Ryuge Kinzo “offered pointed examples: the barring of a Japanese student from a university on the basis of his race; the exclusion of Japanese children from the San Francisco public schools; the processions of American citizens bearing placards saying ‘Japs Must Go!’” (Eck 185). After several decades, there was a Zen boom of the 1950s and that was how Buddhism affected western culture, especially in regards to entertainment. “‘Zen’ is “the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese character "chan," which is in turn the Chinese translation from the Indian Sanskrit term "dhyana," which means meditation’” (Lin).
This source provides the background of different Japanese Buddhism sects, especially the development of Jodo Shinshu, in both religious and political aspects during that time period. What’s more, it argues that, called as the second founder of Jodo Shinshu, Rannyo politicized the Honganji and his followers.
When Buddhism came from China into Japan, it offered many ways to change certain factors of Japan. One part Buddhism had a big impact on was religion. Before Buddhism was introduced to Japan, Shintoism was the main religion. The arrival of Buddhism prompted Buddhism and Shintoism to become closely knit. A crossover of the two religions occurred when Shinto priests began to build Buddhist temples, and Buddhist priests took over multiple Shinto shrines (“Shinto”). Once temples and shrines of different religions appeared in the same area, it was evident for there to have been fusions of Buddhism and Shinto. Worshipping of the Buddha and praying to the deities of Shinto were common in Japan. These differences in beliefs led to an increase in diversity because the religions formed a community where people could share their beliefs and accept other values. Another part of Japan Buddhism had an effect on, was the intellect of the society. Many monks were encouraged to study the Buddhist scriptures. By doing so, the state hoped the monks would “settle in the government-controlled temples” (Araki). Buddhist monks’ lifestyle is centered around living monastically for a religion. Since the monks were encouraged by the government to continue studying scriptures, the monks believed the government could be trusted. Due to the building of trust between the government and the monks, the government gained the support of the monks and the monks began to go to government-controlled temples. Buddhism spread throughout Japan and with monks studying the doctrines of Buddhism, they were able to teach it to more people. Considering Buddhism was already a part of the government and the society was pursuing Buddhist teachings, the society is essentially following the government. As the number of people supporting Buddhism increased, the more power the government received. The increase in
Japan has been a home for Shinto and Buddhist religions for centuries. The Christian missionaries during the 16th, 19th and 20th centuries worked hard to evangelize the Japanese nation but could not get desired success. There efforts in past failed partly due to sanctions imposed by the local rulers. The Jesuits missionaries traveled with Spanish and Portuguese traders to many areas of America and Asia-Pacific and established their churches and religious missions. They were funded, sponsored and trained by their respective governments in order to spread Christianity. At several places they preached the Christian faith by force but the aboriginal population did not accept it wholeheartedly. Initially the Jesuits targeted the elite class of the country and a large number was converted. The rulers also forced their subject to embrace the same faith. About 300,000 Japanese were converted in the first phase. Later on, Christianity was prohibited as the rulers started seeing them as a threat to their authority. Following a change of regime, the ban was lifted and missionaries were again allowed to enter Japan. Like many Native American tribes, the Japanese also resisted the new religion. As a result, presently Christians form only 1% of the total population in Japan. This paper is focused on how the Christian religion was introduced in Japan, the evolution of evangelism, establishment of churches, the restrictions and hurdles faced by the missionaries and priest of the new religion and the response of Japanese nation towards an alien faith. All these queries are answered in detail given as follows.
An important aspect of the Japanese culture was their belief system, which consisted of Buddhism
Many religions were introduced to Japan, such as, Christianity, Roman Catholic, Islamic etc.The religion that was mostly followed throughout the culture was Buddhism. Buddhism was introduce to Japan in 538 C.E. In those days emperor Kimmei ruled Japan with his court nobles; controversy started over whether or not a religion like Buddhism should be accepted in Japan. The Mononobe and Nakatomi clans strongly opposed this new religion on the grounds that Japan already had its traditional and indigenous religion of Shinto. The Soga Clan favorite Buddhism they believe that It had much to offer their culture. Thus in the end ,despite the disputes that took place among the court nobles, the emperor deferred the matter to the Soga
For centuries, Buddhism and Hinduism have had a significant impact on various areas of the world. Many have adopted and integrated the aspects of these religious into their architecture, specifically Southeast Asia. While both Buddhism and Hinduism has had a significant impact separately in several areas such as China and India, the combination of the two have been influential to religious architecture in Southeast Asia.
Shinto has strong connections to ancestor worship. Pleasing the ancestors who are considered to be a Kami is the religions main focus. Clan importance was popular in early Japan and many regions had different Kamis. Social commitments were then directed to the Clan leader. After the Shinto revival, there was a larger focus on Japanese nationalism. Japanese Buddhism just like Buddhism outside of Japan, there is an emphasis on compassion and unbiased. However, unlike Buddhism outside of Japan, Japanese Buddhism has been viewed as the protector of Japan. No matter what Japanese Buddhist Sect, Buddhism has always been used as a way to unite the Japanese. Neo-Confucianism in Japan is just like Chinese Confucianism when dealing with social commitments. The Japanese have the Five relationships just like the Chinese but the Japanese Five relationships are in relation to the Four Classes. Everyone is meant to follow the five relationships in the order of with social class in mind. For example, everyone is meant to have loyalty to the ruler but peasants who are second in the social class and also suppose to have respect for the samurai, first class, since the samurai are high up on the scale. Social commitments can have a role in the methods of
Shinto, a religion traced back to indigenous Japan, is one of Japan’s major religions with around 3,000,000 followers (Susumu, 2009). Shinto means “the way of the gods” (Susumu, 2009). Shinto indigenous religion is one that is considered to have developed over time rather than being founded. With no founder and no holy scriptures, Shinto is based in traditions and culture (Susumu, 2009). Traced back to at least the 8th century BCE, Shinto was the official state religion of Japan until after WWII (Susumu, 2009). Shinto is uniquely Japanese and has had a major influence in developing attitudes and sensitivities in Japan (Susumu, 2009). Early in the 7th century BCE, Buddhism and Shintoism began to intertwine, and together they have been
During the Medieval period (1185–1600) in Japan there was change and innovation in Japanese literature. This period was largely influenced by the ideals of Buddhist and the ruling military class. During this time, Buddhist religions were also greatly influenced by the handling of the priests and monks. And there were many civil wars that led to different classes in the society. Actually, there are many different types of people who helped form the medieval period. People like the emperors and priests, women and poet author, and samurai. The work during the medieval periods usually consisted mentality distorted, not perfect, and deal with the unfortunate and retribution. Insights from life and death, ghost that haunted people, redemption through killing,
Buddhism was started in Northeast India by a prince named Siddhartha Guatama. When he was 29 he decided to forego his throne and embark on a quest to end suffering in human life [Heirman]. He found that the way to end suffering was to eliminate human desires. At the age of 35, he decided that he had reached Nirvana “spiritual awakening”. After this, he spent the next 45 years of his life teaching the things that he had found throughout his journey. Because of his efforts a large community was started [Heirman]. The third king of the Mauryan Dynasty supported Buddhism and helped to spread it throughout India. Buddhism eventually spread to other countries. Buddhism eventually spread to Central Asia. After 500 A.D. Buddhism was accepted as a part of the culture [Heirman]. In 1185-1333 the Chan (Chinese Buddhists) ideas were integrated into the Japanese culture. In more recent years
Prior to my enrollment in this class, I did not have exposure or any type of familiarity with the Zen tradition. The uniquely Japanese branch of Buddhism has indeed flourished, and focuses on eliminating the sources of human suffering, or in other words, dukkha. On its simplest level, the effect on the development of this Japanese-Buddhist culture continues to resonate among its followers, as it did approximately 2500 years ago. However, there is a question that remains to an even larger extent. How actually did Zen come to influence not only the worlds of art, literature, and architecture, but also popular culture and Western life? The connection involving Zen and art is incredibly mystifying, because upon examination Zen art itself appears to be very modern. Shunryu Suzuki explains that “Zen practice is the direct expression of our true nature” (32). He also mentions “when you practice Zen, you become one with Zen” (49). Fully exposing ourselves to foreign notions may be strange, but at which point is it that Zen transcends into art?