Buddhism and Shinto Explained: A Complicated History

Summary

This script explores the intertwined yet complex history of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan. It discusses the harmonious coexistence of the two religions, with Shinto focusing on life's experiences and community while Buddhism deals with the afterlife. The script delves into their historical relationship, the process of shinbutsu shugo, and the eventual separation mandated by the Meiji government. It highlights the enduring influence of both religions on Japanese culture and the individual's approach to spirituality, suggesting a 'common religion' of Japan.

Takeaways

• 🛐 Shinto and Buddhism coexist in Japan, leading to overlapping religious affiliations that exceed 100% of the population.
• 🎎 Shinto focuses on earthly life, rites of passage, community, and blessings, while Buddhism handles funerary rites and the afterlife.
• 📜 Historically, Shinto and Buddhism were closely intertwined in Japan, particularly between the 7th and 19th centuries.
• 🙏 The practice of 'Shinbutsu Shugo' combined kami veneration (Shinto) and Buddhist practices, blending the two religions over time.
• ⚔️ Prince Shotoku in the 7th century promoted Buddhism while maintaining native kami traditions, helping to integrate both faiths.
• ⛩️ Over time, kami were seen as protectors of Buddhism, and shrines combined Buddhist and Shinto elements, with rituals for kami to attain enlightenment.
• 🌸 The 'Honji Suijaku' paradigm interpreted kami as local manifestations of Buddhist deities, showing a deep blending of the two religions.
• 📖 In the 19th century, the Meiji government enforced a separation of Shinto and Buddhism, leading to violence and suppression of Buddhist institutions.
• 🔄 Despite historical conflicts, Shinto and Buddhism continue to coexist harmoniously in modern Japan, with both influencing daily life and religious practice.
• 🌏 Shinto and Buddhism share a common focus on living a good life and worldly benefits, which some scholars consider the common religion of Japan.

Q & A

What is unusual about the religious demographic percentages in Japan, according to the CIA World Factbook?

The CIA World Factbook states that 70.4% of the population is Shinto and 69.8% is Buddhist, which adds up to more than 100%, suggesting that many Japanese people follow both religions.

Why do many Japanese people identify with both Shinto and Buddhism?

In Japan, Shinto mainly focuses on life rituals and blessings, while Buddhism handles funerary rites and prepares people for the afterlife. This coexistence allows people to practice both religions depending on the context.

How do some scholars view the historical relationship between Shinto and Buddhism?

There is debate about their historical relationship. Some argue that Shinto has always been distinct and independent, while others, like scholar Koroda Toshio, suggest that Shinto and Buddhism were closely intertwined for over a thousand years.

What impact did Buddhism have on the development of Shinto in Japan?

Buddhism had a major influence on Shinto, introducing rich cultural and religious elements from China and Korea. Over time, elements of Buddhist practice were incorporated into Shinto rituals, leading to the combination of the two.

What was the reaction of Japanese clans to the arrival of Buddhism?

Some clans, like the Soga, supported the adoption of Buddhism, believing it would bring prosperity like in China and Korea. Others, such as the Mononobe clan, feared that Buddhism would anger the native kami (Shinto deities) and lead to disaster.

What was 'Shinbutsu Shugo' and how did it shape the relationship between Shinto and Buddhism?

'Shinbutsu Shugo' refers to the blending of Shinto and Buddhism. Over centuries, Japanese religious practice saw the lines between kami and Buddhas blur, with Buddhist monks incorporating kami into their rituals and some kami being seen as protectors of Buddhism.

How did the 'Honji Suijaku' theory influence the relationship between Shinto and Buddhism?

The 'Honji Suijaku' theory suggested that kami were local manifestations of Buddhist divinities. This led to the belief that certain kami were actually embodiments of Buddhas, further intertwining the two religions.

What role did Yoshida Shinto play in differentiating Shinto from Buddhism?

Yoshida Shinto, developed by Yoshida Kanetomo, argued that the kami were the divine origin of all things and that Buddhism was an offshoot of Shinto. This reversed the Honji Suijaku concept and positioned Shinto as the superior tradition.

How did the Meiji Restoration affect the relationship between Shinto and Buddhism?

During the Meiji Restoration, the government enforced the separation of Shinto and Buddhism through the policy of 'Shinbutsu Bunri,' leading to violence against Buddhist institutions and the establishment of State Shinto as the civil religion.

What is the modern relationship between Shinto and Buddhism in Japan?

Today, Shinto and Buddhism coexist peacefully in Japan. Shinto is associated with life events and community rituals, while Buddhism is connected to funerary practices and the afterlife. Many households may have altars for both religions, reflecting this duality.