Japan: The Most Eastern Buddhism
The various Japanese Buddhist traditions are branches of Mahayana Buddhism that have adapted and changed to the general disposition and needs of the people of the Japanese archipelago.
Buddhism has played a foundational role throughout the development of society and culture in the Japanese archipelago. Buddhist scriptures and culture were a part of the cultural exchange and diaspora that brought writing into Japan and Japan into the historical Era. They served as the standard against which all other philosophies and practices were seen.
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is the organized following of the teachings of the most recent Buddha, Gautama the Sakyian. He taught Suffering (Dhukha), its origin (Pratītyasamutpāda), and its cessation(Nirvana). All forms of Buddhism ultimately aim to the achievement of Nibbana / Nirvana. The Buddha lived in Northern India until he was about 80 years old before his body broke up. His teachings were collected and organized by his close followers and disseminated across Asia: from what is today Afghanistan in the west to Mongolia and as far as Japan in the East.
The Major Split in Buddhist Thought:
Of the two main denominations of Buddhism, there are Mahayana and Theravada. Theravada moved south and West, while Mahayana moved North and East. Theravada traditions rely on individual effort and personal responsibility, while the Mahayana traditions embrace elements of salvation and grace through divine intervention. Japan has remained almost completely untouched by the Theravada traditions until the modern day.
Soft Introduction (Before A.D. 538)
The first introduction of Buddhist practice into the Japanese archipelago was not recorded. Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that migrants from the Korean peninsula continued to practice Buddhism in private and on the family/community scale. These practices likely reflect Buddhist practices in the lower Korean peninsula during the Early Centuries of the 1st millennium.
Introduction to Japan (A.D. 538)
- Buddhism was officially introduced to Japan by the Korean kingdom of Baekje, presenting Buddha images, scriptures, and ornaments to Emperor Kimmei.
- Controversy arose with Shinto supporters opposing Buddhism; the Soga clan favored Buddhism for cultural enrichment.
- The Soga clan’s influence led to Buddhism’s acceptance.
Prince Shotoku’s Support (A.D. 574–621)
- Prince Shotoku declared Buddhism the official religion of Japan and designated that the nation would be referred to as Japan.
- Issued the 17-Article Constitution emphasizing Buddhist and Confucian principles.
- Promoted the construction of Buddhist temples, including Horyu-ji, the oldest wooden structure.
Cultural Benefits and Spread
- Buddhism initially served political and cultural purposes, providing moral and intellectual benefits lacking in Shinto.
- Buddhist scriptures were in Chinese and initially exclusive to court families.
- Over time, Buddhism spread to broader social strata.
National Support and Development
- After Shotoku’s death, Buddhism continued to grow with the establishment of national temples like Todai-ji.
- Buddhist temples became centers for education, healthcare, and social services.
Six Nara Schools
The Practice and understanding of Buddhism first began to flourish in the Nara period. The general knowledge of Buddhism grew as Japan began to import more knowledge and information on Buddhism. Buddhism was understood as a general idea and the various sects and disciplines within Buddhism were seen as components of one general pursuit.
Six Buddhist schools were classified and studied at government temples:
Sanron: The Three Doctrine school) If we want to understand reality, we must do so in a way that does not involve mental constructs or conceptualization. This school eventually absorbed Jojitsu, as they have a similar position on the nature of phenomena.
Hosso: Stemmed from (YogaCara): Categorized phenomenon into 8 categories. Postured that all reality is a product of mental phenomenon. Used its acknowledgment of mental constructions of reality to develop meditation practices to gain clear understanding of the nature of existence.
Kegon (S. Avantamsaka: C. Huayan; Garland) Focus on the Garland Sutra with the idea of Indra’s net at its core. The idea that all phenomena reflect the totality of the universe and existence and that there is codependent existence.
Ritsu: (P. Vinaya; The monks who specialized in the Vinaya. The monastic code of conduct along with Rites and rituals.
Kusha: Stemming from the commentarial Abhidhamma / Abhidharma. Position is that because events can be experienced, they are real even though they lack substance because they are conditioned and are subject to change.
Jojitsu: Stemming from the commentarial Abhidhamma / Abhidharma. Position is that because experience is fundamentally transient, it lacks reality and therefore experienced reality is not truly real.
- These schools coexisted and contributed to Buddhist thought development.
Introduction of Tendai and Shingon Buddhism
The seat of imperial power shifted to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). Two Buddhist Monks went to China for study so that they could improve
Tendai and Shingon schools were introduced from China in 784 with the capital move to Kyoto.
- Saicho established Tendai on Mount Hiei, synthesizing various Buddhist concepts.
- Kukai founded Shingon on Mount Koya, focusing on esoteric teachings. Kukai is also credited with pioneering the Kana system of writing.
Rise of Tendai and Shingon
Tendai Buddhism (established in 805 CE) Founder: Saicho (767-822 CE) Characteristics: Tendai Buddhism emphasizes the Lotus Sutra as the ultimate teaching of Buddha. It combines various Buddhist practices, such as meditation, sutra recitation, and rituals, with elements of esoteric Buddhism. Tendai promotes the idea of attaining enlightenment in this very lifetime and seeks to harmonize all Buddhist teachings into a comprehensive framework. Most of the other Buddhist founders came from this lineage.
Shingon Buddhism (established in 806 CE) Founder: Kukai (774-835 CE) Characteristics: Shingon Buddhism, also known as "True Word," focuses on esoteric rituals and practices. It emphasizes the use of mantras, mudras (hand gestures), and mandalas to attain enlightenment. Shingon places great importance on the transmission of secret teachings from master to disciple and the realization of one's Buddha-nature in the present moment.
- Tendai and Shingon became influential, with monks developing new practices and philosophies.
- Some monks became powerful political and military forces. This would lead to problems in the future. Mt Hiei was eventually burned and pillaged in 1571.
Kamakura Period (A.D. 1192–1333)
Buddhist traditions in the Kamakura Period are sometimes referred to as the New Kamakura schools.
Buddhism became popular among the masses during the Kamakura period, moving beyond the elite.
- Prominent figures included Honen (Jodo), Shinran (Jodo Shin), Eisai (Rinzai Zen), Dogen (Soto Zen), and Nichiren.
New Schools Emerged
Jodo: Pure Land Buddhism (established in 1175 CE) Founder: Honen (1133-1212 CE) Characteristics: Pure Land Buddhism centers around devotion to Amitabha Buddha and the aspiration to be reborn in the Pure Land, a realm of perfect enlightenment. It teaches that salvation can be achieved through faith, recitation of the Buddha's name (Nembutsu), and sincere aspiration for rebirth in the Pure Land. Pure Land Buddhism offers a path accessible to all individuals, irrespective of their social status or intellectual abilities.
Jodo Shin: Jodo Shin Buddhism is a branch of Pure Land Buddhism, which emphasizes devotion to Amitabha Buddha (Amida). It teaches that rebirth in the Pure Land (a blissful realm) is achieved through faith in Amida Buddha and recitation of the nembutsu (the phrase "Namu Amida Butsu," meaning "I take refuge in Amida Buddha").
Rinzai Zen: (C. Chan; P. Janna) was founded in Japan in the 12th century by the Japanese Zen master Eisai (1141–1215). It was influenced by the teachings of the Chinese Linji school, named after Linji Yixuan, a prominent Chinese “Chan” master. Rinzai Zen is characterized by its use of koans, intensive practice, and a focus on sudden enlightenment. It often involves more direct and sometimes confrontational methods to stimulate insight.
Soto Zen:as introduced to Japan by Dogen Zenji (1200–1253)Soto Zen is known for its practice of "shikantaza," which means "just sitting." This practice involves sitting in meditation with an emphasis on simply being present and aware, without focusing on specific objects or koans.emphasizes shikantaza (just sitting), a more gradual approach to enlightenment, and integrating mindfulness into daily life. It focuses on a more continuous and steady practice rather than sudden breakthroughs.
Nichiren: Founded by Nichiren Daishonin (1222–1282).Lotus Sutra Focus: Nichiren Buddhism places its emphasis on the Lotus Sutra, which is considered the highest teaching of the Buddha. Nichiren believed that the Lotus Sutra contains the ultimate truth and path to enlightenment. Nichiren Buddhism encourages the study of the Lotus Sutra and active engagement in efforts to promote peace and social justice.
Muromachi Period (A.D. 1336–1573)
- Cultural flourishing with new artistic practices influenced by Buddhist monks.
- Zen temples became centers for meditation and artistic pursuits, while other schools faced internal conflicts.
Momoyama Period (A.D. 1573–1603)
- Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi suppressed Buddhist institutions, favoring Christianity for political reasons.
- Buddhism’s influence waned as secular art replaced Buddhist art.
Edo Period (A.D. 1603–1867)
- Tokugawa Ieyasu restored and rebuilt temples, but Buddhism became more ecclesiastical and regulated.
- Buddhism was affected by the rise of Shinto and Confucianism, becoming less vital but retaining some influence.
- Buddhist ideas were adapted in purely secular ways such as in the “Floating World” (ukiyo) philosophy and aesthetic of Edo.
Under Imperial Japan (A.D. 1868–1945)
- The Meiji Restoration led to Buddhism’s separation from Shinto and its suppression.
- Temples and art were destroyed, and priests were forced to return to lay life.
- Despite this, Buddhism continued to be part of Japanese culture and was reevaluated by scholars.
Contemporary Japan (A.D. 1945–Present)
- Post-WWII, Buddhism became more inclusive and diverse, with restored temples and active scholarly study.
- Two streams of Buddhism: "Higher" (monastic and institutional) and "Lower" (popular and lay).
- Buddhism integrated elements from other religions and continued to evolve in modern Japan.
Soka Gakkai: A modern and prominent lay organization that practices Nichiren Buddhism, emphasizing the transformative power of chanting and engaging in social and personal development.
FOR FURTHER READING:
Andreasen, Esben. Popular Buddhism in Japan: Buddhist Religion & Culture. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis, 2014.
Deal, William E.., Ruppert, Brian. A Cultural History of Japanese Buddhism. Germany: Wiley, 2015.
Kasulis, Thomas P.. Engaging Japanese Philosophy: A Short History. United States: University of Hawaii Press, 2017.
Lee, Kenneth Doo. The Prince and the Monk: Shōtoku Worship in Shinran's Buddhism. United States: State University of New York Press, 2012.
Shōtoku Taishi. Prince Shotoku's Commentary on the Srimala Sutra. United States: Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai America, Incorporated, 2011.
Japan Theravada Buddhist Association https://j-theravada.com/
BDK - Society for the Promotion of Buddhism https://www.bdk.or.jp/english/
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