Japanese - Religious Traditions

Question 1

What are the two main Japanese religions? Which one is indigenous to Japan?

Answer 1

Shinto and Buddhism; Shinto is indigenous to Japan.

Question 2

Many people use Shinto rituals and blessings at…

Answer 2

births and weddings. While they will use Buddhist rituals at funerals.

Question 3

Does Shinto have a founder or any holy texts?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

What is the Shinto view of nature?

Answer 4

People should have a spontaneous awe for nature
because it is indwelled with Kami.

Question 5

What are Kami?

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

The main focus of Shinto worship is…

Answer 6

Kami. One will leave them offerings after visiting them at shrines.

Question 7

Could Kami be considered deities?

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

What is Kojiki?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

What does the Kojiki include?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Shinto focuses on religious ceremony. What are they like?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

What are the types of religious ceremonies in Shinto?

Answer 11

▪ 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

Question 12

Rites of purification are performed at…

Answer 12

shrines.

Question 13

What is the process for purification rituals?

Answer 13

• 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.

Question 14

What do Shinto priests do?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Nearly everyone is Japan will go to a Shinto temple to…

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

What is magokoro?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

What is the ultimate reality in Shinto?

Answer 17

• The world is divinely created.
• The world, especially Japan, is populated by kami.
• Kami provide fertility and sanctity.

Question 18

How does Shinto suggest humans live in this world?

Answer 18

• 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.

Question 19

What does Shinto suggest humans’ ultimate purpose is?

Answer 19

• 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.

Question 20

How does Buddhism complement Shinto?

Answer 20

▪ 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.

Question 21

Almost all forms of Buddhism in Japan are directly derived from…

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

What are the Pure Land schools in Japan?

Answer 22

Jodo-shu and Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land)

Question 23

What is Jodo-shu?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

What is Jodo Shinshu?

Answer 24

“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.

Question 25

What are the Chan / Zen Buddhist schools of Japan?

Answer 25

Rinzai Zen and Soto Zen

Question 26

What is the koan practice?

Answer 26

Developed by the Zen Buddhist schools of Japan. A koan is a contradictory statement or an absurdity that a Zen student is given in order to focus their meditation.
▪ Example: “What is the sound of one hand clapping?”

Question 27

What is Rinzai Zen?

Answer 27

A Japanese Mahayana Buddhist school. Has many sub-branches today. Focus is given to the relationship between the teacher and the student. Known for its severity and rigor of training.

Question 28

What is Soto Zen?

Answer 28

It is the largest non-Pure Land Buddhist school in Japan and the world. Less strict than the Rinzai school and appealed to a larger group. Meditation is to be focused just on the stream of thoughts one has and should have no direct objects, anchors, or specific content. In modern times, it has focused more on studying and chanting the sutras more than other forms of Chan Buddhism.

Question 29

What is Nichiren Buddhism?

Answer 29

Is neither Pure Land nor Zen, It focuses on chanting and studying the Lotus Sutra. It argues that the Lotus Sutra is the highest form of Buddha’s teachings and that other schools of Buddhism are deeply flawed. It does not have a large following in Japan today, but it has gained some converts and influence outside of Japan.

Question 30

How do marriages work in Shinto practice?

Answer 30

▪ Marriages are usually arranged with a go-between (though most are still voluntary).
▪ Legalized by registration at a government office.
▪ The wedding is held at the groom’s home.
▪ The couple is purified by a Shinto priest.
▪ Sake is drunk to seal the wedding in the presence of the kami.
▪ Bride typically wears a white kimono to symbolize purity in the eyes of the kami.

Question 31

Why do most Japanese funerals follow Buddhist practices?

Answer 31

Shinto considers the dead impure.

Question 32

How do Japanese funerals work?

Answer 32

• Funerals traditionally take place in the home but today undertakers are typically used.
  ▪ The family washes the deceased with hot water, then dresses them in white robe or favorite clothing.
  ▪ Plain wooden coffin used as, by law, everyone must be cremated.
  ▪ Buddhist scripture is read and offerings of incense, flowers, and candles.
  ▪ Two-day funeral and guests bow to family of deceased.
  ▪ Guests are sprinkled with water upon leaving for purification.
  ▪ Small bones after cremation are kept in jar at a memorial alter in home for a time before being buried at a cemetery.
• Graveside visits are ritualized and often come on the anniversary of death or other special occasions.

Question 33

The Japanese Religious Tradition combines elements from…

Answer 33

Shinto and Buddhism, though not to the same degree as in China.

Question 34

What is a common saying about Shinto and Buddhism?

Answer 34

A common saying is that in Japan one is born Shinto and dies a Buddhist.