Japanese - Religious Traditions Flashcards
What are the two main Japanese religions? Which one is indigenous to Japan?
Shinto and Buddhism; Shinto is indigenous to Japan.
Many people use Shinto rituals and blessings at…
births and weddings. While they will use Buddhist rituals at funerals.
Does Shinto have a founder or any holy texts?
No
What is the Shinto view of nature?
People should have a spontaneous awe for nature
because it is indwelled with Kami.
What are Kami?
Kami are both gods, spirits, holy powers, forces of nature, ancient ancestors, and sometimes even great leaders (historically).
The kami are manifested from the natural energy of the universe. They are hidden from the physical world but do dwell in nature around us. They often have both positive and negative aspects.
The main focus of Shinto worship is…
Kami. One will leave them offerings after visiting them at shrines.
Could Kami be considered deities?
Some of them can, but they are not like western gods as these kami are not all powerful or all knowing and were capable of doing evil things.
What is Kojiki?
It is a text that tells the legends and myths of origins of the Japanese islands and of the royal line. It also tells many stories of the kami and hymns people use to sing to them.
What does the Kojiki include?
a Creation Myth that explains the origins of the universe and how it was created. There is also a story of the beginning of Japan as a Divine Creation of the kami.
Shinto focuses on religious ceremony. What are they like?
These ceremonies can be short and uncomplicated or long and extremely complicated.
▪ The shorter ones are for daily practice at shrines in the home.
▪ The longer ones are done by priests at famous Shinto sites and temples
What are the types of religious ceremonies in Shinto?
▪ Fertility Rites (performed during religious festivals): Since ancient times, people have gotten together to sing, read poetry, drink, and have sex. Originally, these festivals were connected to crop planting and harvesting.
▪ Rites of Purification, Presentation, Petition, and Participation
Rites of purification are performed at…
shrines.
What is the process for purification rituals?
- When visiting a shrine to get the attention of the kami one must first wash the hands and rinse the mouth with water.
- Next, the person must bow twice and then clap twice.
- Afterwards, the person should bow again and offer words of gratitude and thankfulness.
- If they have a prayerful request, the person will also state their name and address.
- After the prayer, the person will bow twice again, then clap twice and conclude with a final bow.
What do Shinto priests do?
There are Shinto priests who are experts in promoting the connection between humans and kami. The Shinto priests can be either men or women and their roles are often inherited from family members. The priests will lead complex ceremonies or officiate at festivals.
However, the main role of the priests is to offer blessings from the kami.
Nearly everyone is Japan will go to a Shinto temple to…
register the birth of a child and have the infant blessed. People will even have their new cars or houses blessed by a priest in order to court favor with the kami.
What is magokoro?
It means “true heart” and is a way to cleanse one’s mind and soul. The main reason to appease the kami is that they are the only ones that can offer magokoro.
What is the ultimate reality in Shinto?
- The world is divinely created.
- The world, especially Japan, is populated by kami.
- Kami provide fertility and sanctity.
How does Shinto suggest humans live in this world?
- Shinto puts little emphasis on morality.
▪ There really isn’t an ethical system in Shinto. - Shinto stresses fertile and sanctified living.
- Constant attentiveness to cleanliness and purified living
- Love of nature
- Be thankful for the blessings of the kami.
What does Shinto suggest humans’ ultimate purpose is?
- Humans are not flawed or sinful.
- No need of asking for God’s grace or forgiveness
- No final resting place in Heaven
- Just live a prosperous and purified life in thankfulness to the kami.
How does Buddhism complement Shinto?
▪ Shinto does not have much of an ethical system, while Buddhism contains an advanced ethical system in the Eight-fold path.
▪ Shinto does not much deal with death or the afterlife, while Buddhism has much more to say on these matters.
- Buddhism, on the other hand, does not deal well with birth or family matters, like weddings.
▪ Shinto spends a great of time dealing with everyday family concerns.
- Buddhism has a heavy emphasis on a life of self-discipline.
Almost all forms of Buddhism in Japan are directly derived from…
Chinese schools of Mahayana Buddhism. Most of the Japanese schools of Buddhism put a twist on the traditional school of Chinese Buddhism it is derived from.
What are the Pure Land schools in Japan?
Jodo-shu and Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land)
What is Jodo-shu?
A Mahayana Pure Land school from Japan. Has a large following in Japan today. It dictates that one should participate in ritualistic chanting of Amida Buddha’s name in various styles. Argues that if one is truly granted time in the pure land, then they would be willing to demonstrate this by participating in the other elements of the eight-fold path.
What is Jodo Shinshu?
“True Pure Land” - This is the most widely practiced form of Buddhism in Japan today. Often called the “Easy Path” as they de-emphasize the many rituals that often come with Buddhism. Believe that if you chant the name of Amida Buddha you are instantly guaranteed a spot in the pure land and cannot lose it.
