Buddhism and Shintoism

Shinto and Buddhism

The two main religions in Japan are Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto has always been a part of Japanese culture, and Buddhism was introduced in the 6th century by Prince Shotoku, and embraced by the Japanese people. Ever since, Buddhism and Shinto have existed harmoniously, and most Japanese consider themselves either a buddhist, shintoist, or both.

Shinto

Buddhism

Shinto means “the way of the gods.” Followers of Shintoism believe that there are spirits called Kami who live in Natural places such as plants, animals, rivers, people, and even the dead.

Buddhism is based on the main teachings of the Buddha. All of Buddha's main teachings rest upon the four noble truths. These are...

1.) To live you must suffer

2.) All suffering is caused by craving

3.) Suffering can be overcome and happiness attained.

4.) The Noble Eightfold path is the path to overcome suffering.

Worship

Important Kami

Buddha

The most important Kami is Amaterasu. Amaterasu is the sun goddess and is believed to be ancestor to all the emperors of Japan. Amaterasu's shrine is the most important, and it is i Ise. Another important Kami is Inari, the rice producer. He is so important because rice is a staple food for most Japanese.

Shinto places of worship are called shrines, and are usually placed in beautiful nature settings. A shrine consists of three main parts, the Honden (main hall), Haiden (worship hall), and Heiden (offering hall.) The Honden is the Kami sanctuary, and only priests are allowed to enter. Shinto priests can be both male or female. The Haiden is where routine prayers are made, and the Heiden is for prayers and offerings.

Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, was the founder of Buddhism. Buddha grew up in a rich household, and at the age of 29, left, when he realized that money doesn't buy happiness. After years of searching, he went into deep meditation and was enlightened. He spent the rest of his life teaching all that he had learned to others.

Temizuya

Torii

The Japanese believe that it is wrong to go near the Kami in a state of impurity. Because of this each shrine has a temizuya. A temizuya is a water trough where you can clean your hands and face before entering the shrine.

The entrances to shrines are marked with gates called torii that are made of wood and painted either orange or black. They mark the boundary between the everyday world and the world of kami.

Worship

Buddhist worship can take place at home or in a temple. Buddhists sit barefoot on the floor and face a statue of Buddha while praying. Worship for the Buddha is different than worship in other religions. Since Buddhists do not believe Buddha to be a god, their worship towards him is more like praise or admiration.

Meditation

Meditation is a very important part of a Buddhists life. Meditation increases awareness of the mind, and Buddhists meditate to increase their focus and enlighten themselves. Meditation also helps people change the way they think and feel in situations, especially stressful ones.