hitory of buddhism in Japan

1. History of Buddhism in
Japan
Oct 28, 2019
Noriko Nagura
1000 Speakers Conference in English

2. Buddhism introduced to Japan in 538
Significance:
- Literacy started.

3. Soga (Buddhism) Vs. Mononobe (Shintoism)
Soga family won at the end of 6th century. Buddhism prospered.

4. Prince Shotoku (574-622ad)
Encouraged the spread of Buddhism.
Buddhism was learned
only by elite people.

5. First Student Sent to China in 607
Imoko Onono
(Not a girl, but a boy!)
Buddhism was learned
only by elite people.

6. Saicho & Kukai in Early 8th century
Esoteric!! Difficult to understand!
Buddhism was learned
only by elite people.
Buddhism and Shintoism started to mix and mingle. (神仏習合）

7. Zen and Jodo Sects to Japan in 12th century
Zen = Learn through practicing zazen, meditation.
Jodo = Just chant “南無阿弥陀仏” and you’ll go to jodo, pure land
after death.
“I believe in Amida Bhudda!”  Go to Pure Land!! Easy to
understand!
Buddhism spread
among commoners.

8. Edo period: Buddhism and Shintoism Mixed!
Ieyasu is enshrined in Nikko shrine.
Iemitsu in Taiyu-in temple in Nikko.
6 shoguns in Zojoji temple in Tokyo.
6 shoguns in Kan-eiji temple in Tokyo.
Last shogun, Yoshinobu, is lonely.... In Yanaka cemetery….
Visit to Mt. Fuji (富士講): Buddhism and Shitoism
and visit to Ise (伊勢参り): Shintoism

9. Meiji Period (from 1868)
Emperor: political leader
Shintoism: national religion
Abandon Buddhism,
and respect Shintoism!
(廃仏毀釈)

10. Today, Buddhism and Shintoism Mixed!
Throughout Japan...
85,000 shrines
75,000 temples
55,000 convenience stores

11. Thank you!