Buddhism in Japan

 

What is Buddhism in Japan? It is not easy to explain it to people in other countries. The contents and doctrines of many religions are so systematic that even if we try to simplify them, it can lead to lack of clear explanation and misunderstanding.

From the point of view of non-Buddhists, there are many things that are not clear to them.

Buddhism in Japan is independent from other Buddhist countries. Unlike Catholicism, in which the Vatican is the central authority around the world, Buddhism has no such international hierarchy.

Buddhism in Japan is a separate entity, yet it respects and cooperates with Buddhist organizations in other countries. However, even within the small country of Japan, Buddhism has diversified and developed. It has followed a history so complex that it cannot be lumped together.

It is estimated that about 85 million people in Japan are Buddhists. However, many of the children are unaware of their Buddhist identity. Because their ancestors and parents were Buddhists, their children are naturally integrated into the Buddhist system.

The Japanese way of life would not be possible without Buddhism. It is such a deeply integrated part of Japanese culture.

When did this happen?

It is said that Buddhism was introduced to Japan around 500 AD. Before that time, Shinto was the main religion in Japan, and the origin of the Imperial Family was also derived from Shinto. However, the emperor at the time tolerated Buddhism. He judged its teachings to be noble and beneficial to the Japanese people. As a result, over a period of time, Buddhism and Shintoism were partially merged with each other.

The same thing has happened in other countries in the past. The indigenous religions mixed with religions from other countries to form new religions and sects. In ancient times, religion, culture and politics were inseparable. They became integrated into all aspects of life.

What did the Japanese people gain from the idea of Buddhism? This is too big a subject for me to handle. Buddhism has been accepted by the Japanese people and has developed in its own way over a thousand years. It is no longer possible for the Japanese people to live their lives without the practice of Buddhism.

Here are just a few examples.

Example #１. Obon.

This is an annual event that originated from the local belief that our ancestors would return from the next world. On this day, relatives gather together to pay respect to their ancestors and visit their graves. Ancestors' memorial service is performed in the Buddhist style. This is followed by a banquet to celebrate the return of the ancestors and pray for the blessings and prosperity of the family.

One of the events that has developed greatly during the ceremony is the Bon Dance. As the name suggests, the people gather in different regions to dance in celebration of their ancestors. This kind of behavior is similar to that of religions everywhere in the world, and is connected to the essential way of life of human beings.

Example #2. Civility.

The Japanese are admired by many foreigners for their civility. This, too, is a result of adherence to the teachings of Buddhism. Aside from modern people, our grandparents' era understood the importance of etiquette, rooted in Buddhist rituals, as a priority in life. A fundamental philosophy of Buddhism is the pursuit of peace, and this encourages Buddhists to practice polite and peaceful behavior. Incidentally, the gesture of many Asians, such as the clasping of hands before a meal or the bowing of the head to the other person, is derived from basic Buddhist rituals.

Example #3. Calendars.

Many Japanese calendars have Buddhist events marked on them. 

January is a day to reflect on the previous year and pray that this year will be a good one.

February is the day to throw beans to exorcise evil spirits (bad luck).

In March, there is the Ancestor Memorial Service, which coincides with the Spring Equinox.

On April 8th, we have the "Day of Celebration of the Birth of the Buddha.”

These are the kinds of annual events on every Japanese calendar.

Example #4: Good Luck & Bad Luck

The Japanese impose various conditions on themselves in order to make their wishes come true.

For example, students go to a temple to pray for admission to the university of their choice. Professional athletes also go to temples to pray for their team's victory. People buy talismans at temples to drive safely and give birth safely. Since good luck or bad luck cannot be chosen by human beings, people continue to seek help from the gods and Buddha, even today with the development of science.

In these ways, Buddhism has become an integral part of the life of the Japanese people as a source of spiritual support. If you want to understand the Japanese people, it is advisable to learn the basics of Buddhism.