Buddhism in Japan

Posted on July 28, 2007 in Buddhism History

Buddhism’s entry into Japan can be considered as an import from Korea, although there were major influences from China. It is believed that, around 550 A.D., a gift of the Buddha’s image and copies of Buddhist sutras were sent to the Japanese Emperor Kimmei by King Paikche, a Korean ruler. This incident marked the official introduction of Buddhism in Japan.

Although the gift was meant to gain political support of the Japanese Emperor for a campaign in Korea, the simplicity of Buddhism caught the attention of the influential families in the Japanese royalty.

Since Shintoism was the established religion in Japan, the introduction of Buddhism became a matter of dispute. This dispute was reflected in a political struggle between two aristocratic families of Japan – the Mononobe family who patronized a native religion and Soga family who supported the induction of Buddhism. In the course of this struggle, the victory of the Soga family ensured the survival and assimilation of Buddhism, firstly by the aristocratic circle, and then gradually by the general masses.

Assimilation of Buddhism

This process of assimilation finally gave rise to several Japanese denominations of Buddhism – Nichiren, Shingon, Joudo, Joudoshinshu, Tendai, and Zenshu throughout the major eras of Japanese history – the Nara, Heian and Medieval periods. The Nara period witnessed the assimilation and integration of Buddhist thoughts to the then existing Shintoism. The Heian period witnessed the emergence of two influential schools of thought – the Tendai (heavenly platform) from China, and the Shingon. This period also saw the popularity of poetry and writing in the courts. In the Medieval period of Japan, the emergence of fierce Samurais and high-ranking officials necessitated some changes in Buddhism to fit into the character of the society. Zen Buddhism which emerged became popular which not only stressed on meditation as a means to enlightenment, but also followed strict guidelines which appealed to the warrior classes.

Buddhism became popular

These periods contributed to the emergence of peculiar forms of Buddhism with distinct Japanese characteristics. Of the many schools, the Pure Land and the Zen (both of which originally developed in China) and the Nichiren group (based on the White Lotus Sutra teaching of the Buddha) which developed in most recent times are considered to be very popular in Japan. The popularity of Buddhism can be testified from the fact that despite the temporary ban on Buddhism during the Meiji restoration in 1868, the firm establishment of Buddhism over centuries effectively made this impossible. This attempt was again reflected in the failure of the Japanese Imperial authority to completely stamp out Buddhism during the Second World War.

With the revival of Buddhism after the war, there are foundations of many new sects which saw the adaptation of traditional Japanese culture to Buddhist influences. From its difficult beginnings to its adaptation, assimilation, and the eventual dominance in society, Buddhism shaped Japan throughout the eras, and is shaping and molding the present Japanese society.

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