Language/Japanese/Culture/Shinto-and-Buddhism

Japanese Culture → Religion and Philosophy → Shinto and Buddhism

Shinto and Buddhism are the two most widely practiced religions in Japan. Shinto is Japan's indigenous religion, which emphasizes the worship of nature deities and ancestral spirits, and has no official doctrine or holy book. Buddhism was introduced to Japan from China and Korea in the 6th century CE and has evolved into various sects and schools, each with its own teachings and rituals. In this lesson, we will explore the history, beliefs, and practices of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan, and how they have influenced Japanese culture and society.

Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Public Holidays & Why Learn Japanese.

Shinto

Shinto, which means "the way of the gods," is a polytheistic religion that originated in Japan's prehistoric period. It emphasizes the worship of kami, or sacred spirits, that inhabit natural phenomena such as mountains, trees, rivers, animals, and even human beings. Shinto has no founder or central authority, and its beliefs and practices vary regionally and culturally. Some of the common features of Shinto include:

• Shrines: Shinto shrines are sacred places where kami are believed to reside or visit. They are typically built in natural settings and characterized by torii gates, shimenawa ropes, and sakaki and shide offerings. Shinto festivals, rituals, and ceremonies are usually held at shrines.

• Purification: Shinto emphasizes purity and cleanliness, both of the body and the surroundings. Purification rituals involve washing the hands and mouth, or passing through torii gates or shimenawa ropes.

• Nature worship: Shinto regards nature as sacred and divine, and encourages respect for the environment and animals. Shinto festivals often celebrate the change of seasons or natural events.

• Ancestral worship: Shinto places great importance on ancestry and family lineage, and believes that ancestral spirits protect and guide their descendants. Ancestral worship is often combined with the reverence for kami.

• Folk beliefs: Shinto has many folk beliefs and superstitions, such as avoiding certain numbers, directions, or actions, or using amulets or charms for protection or luck.

Shinto played a significant role in shaping Japanese culture and identity throughout history. It influenced the development of architecture, art, literature, and music, and became intertwined with the life of the imperial court and the samurai class. Shinto also contributed to the militarism and nationalism of modern Japan, as it was used to promote the cult of the emperor and the divine right of the Japanese people.

Buddhism

Buddhism, which means "the teaching of the Buddha," is a religion and philosophical system that originated in ancient India and spread to many countries in Asia. It focuses on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which aim to alleviate suffering and attain enlightenment through mindfulness, ethical conduct, and meditation. Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 6th century CE, initially through the Korean peninsula and later through China, and underwent various adaptations and syncretism with Shinto and other indigenous beliefs. Some of the major schools or sects of Buddhism in Japan include:

• Tendai: Based on the Chinese Tiantai school, Tendai emphasizes the integration of various Buddhist teachings and practices, as well as the study of classical Indian and Chinese scriptures. It also incorporates elements of Shinto, such as the worship of kami as manifestations of Buddha-nature.

• Shingon: Founded by the monk Kukai (774-835), Shingon is a form of esoteric Buddhism that focuses on mantra recitation, ritualistic visualization, and symbolic imagery. It also incorporates elements of Shinto, such as the worship of natural elements and figures.

• Pure Land: In the Pure Land school, also known as Jodo, practitioners aspire to rebirth in Amitabha Buddha's Western Paradise, where they can attain enlightenment more easily. Pure Land also emphasizes chanting the mantra of Amitabha's name and invoking his grace.

• Zen: Zen is a Japanese form of the Chinese Chan school, which emphasizes the practice of zazen or seated meditation, as well as the contemplation of paradoxical questions or koans. Zen also values direct experience and individual insight over doctrinal knowledge or ritual observances.

Buddhism has had a profound impact on Japanese culture and history, and has influenced various fields such as philosophy, art, literature, and politics. It coexisted and competed with Shinto, Confucianism, and other beliefs in shaping the Japanese worldview and social norms. Buddhism also contributed to the rise of temples, monastic orders, and pilgrimage routes, as well as to the patronage of rulers and merchants.

Comparison and Syncretism

Shinto and Buddhism have coexisted and interacted in Japan for more than a millennium. While they have distinct origins, doctrines, and practices, they also share some common features and have influenced each other in various ways. Some of the ways in which Shinto and Buddhism have interacted or combined include:

• Kami-Buddha syncretism: Some Shinto kami were identified with or attributed to Buddhist deities, and vice versa. For example, Amaterasu, the sun goddess and the supreme deity of Shinto, was identified with Buddha as the "enlightened sun." Other kami were regarded as protectors of Buddhism or Buddhist practitioners.

• Shinbutsu-shugo: In medieval Japan, many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples were located in the same premises or shared the same land, and kami and Buddha were worshipped together. This practice was called shinbutsu-shugo, or "syncretism of kami and Buddha." Some arts and crafts, such as Noh theater or tea ceremony, also combined elements of Shinto and Buddhism.

• Honji-suijaku: The honji-suijaku theory was a medieval Japanese interpretation of Buddhist and Shinto deities that posited the Buddha as the true essence or origin of all deities, and Shinto kami as their manifestations or avatars. This theory allowed for the integration and coexistence of different religious traditions, and enabled the syncretism and hybridization of beliefs and practices.

• Sectarianism and nationalism: In modern times, Shinto and Buddhism have been separated and institutionalized, as the Meiji government promoted Shinto as the national religion and Buddhism as a foreign influence. This led to the persecution and suppression of some Buddhist sects, and the promotion of Shinto morals and rituals in education and citizenship.

Despite their differences and similarities, Shinto and Buddhism continue to play a significant role in Japanese spirituality and culture. They coexist and compete, syncretize and diverge, and provide diverse paths and meanings for the Japanese people.

Examples

Here are some common words and expressions related to Shinto and Buddhism:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
神社	jinja	Shinto shrine
神道	Shinto	Shinto religion
神様	kamisama	Kami, god or spirit
鳥居	torii	Torii gate
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