Japanese religion: Japanese wishing tablets
Japan has been influenced in its culture and way of life by three powerful systems of thought: Shinto – the indigenous beliefs and practices, Confucianism – imported, like so much else from China, and Buddhism – from India.
Shinto means ‘way of the gods’ and most of the population of Japan adhere in some way to the ‘Shinto’ path in the same way that they do to the ‘Buddhist’ path. The two ‘religions’ are so embedded into the cultural fabric of daily life that they exist side by side in harmony. There is no mutual exclusivity or violent opposition and no conflict between the two as they have become integrated together over a millennia. Shinto is polytheistic and animistic. There are many deities and spirits. Everything is alive with a spiritual entity or ‘Kami‘. Worship can take place at one’s own shrine at home or large public shrines.
Confucianism came to Japan for China in the 3rd century AD and brought with it an emphasis on loyalty,morality and law and order.
Zen is often thought to be more popular in Japan than it actually is; usually the product of an overly romantic view by us foreigners. It is an offshoot of Buddhism that was introduced from China around the late 12th to early 13th centuries. Zen holds that enlightenment can be achieved through meditation and discipline by any individual.
Shinto sayings:
‘Both heaven and hell come from one’s own heart.’
‘Do not profess love with your lips while you hold hatred in your heart.’
‘One should not be mindful of suffering in his own life and unmindful of suffering in the lives of others.‘
‘In all the world there is no such thing as a stranger.’
Zen sayings:
‘I would rather sink to the bottom of the sea for endless aeons than seek liberation through all the saints of the universe.’
‘If you want to climb a mountain, begin at the top.’
‘Everyday is a good day.’
‘Before enlightenment; chopping wood, carrying water. After enlightenment; chopping wood, carrying water.’
