Shintoism and Buddhism

Question 1

Buddhism

Answer 1

Buddhism a religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama is a religion focused on personal spiritual development. The followers of this religion do not follow a supreme God or deity.

Question 1

Shintoism

Answer 1

Shintoism is the ancient religion of Japan that promotes harmony and purity in all aspects of life. They have no founder and call their gods Kami, meaning object of worship

Question 2

What are the 3 main beliefs of Buddhism

Answer 2

Dukkha: Life is painful and causes suffering, Anitya: Life is in constant flux and Anatma: The self is always changing.

Question 3

What are the main beliefs of Shintoism

Answer 3

The main beliefs of Shinto are the importance of purity, harmony, respect for nature, family respect, and subordination of the individual before the group.

Question 4

What is the difference between Shinto and Buddhism

Answer 4

Shinto focuses on the love of nature and life generally, while Buddhism helps people develop a spiritual understanding of death and the life hereafter.

Question 5

How was Buddhism important in Ancient Japan

Answer 5

Buddhist monasteries created Buddhism to be powerful politically. Buddhism was also a key driver in fostering literacy, education in general, and the arts in ancient Japan

Question 6

How was Shintoism important in Ancient Japan

Answer 6

Shinto priests became state officials, important shrines received governmental funding, Japan’s creation myths were used to foster a national identity with the Emperor at its centre.

Question 7

What is Zen Buddhism

Answer 7

Zen is the Japanese development of the school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China as Chan Buddhism. In Japan it is known as Zen Buddhism