Japan

Japan, where the contrast between modernity and tradition is the strongest in Asia. A largely secular country though it be, many here consider themselves either Buddhist or Shinto (Shintoism being the traditional animist religion of Japan); in most instances, both at the same time. Buddhism is the main tradition here so far as anything related to death is concerned: the Obon festival (Japanese All Souls’ Day) and funerals almost invariably involve Buddhist rituals. Interestingly, Japanese Buddhism is also the one most ‘active’ or ‘engaged’ all over the world, as I have noticed again and again during my travels, particularly in India. Japan has innumerable Buddhist monuments and temples across all prefectures, and especially in its historical quarters such as Kyoto and Nara, the two ancient capitals of the country. On the other hand, Buddhism in Japan, which follows the Mahayana School, is probably the most fragmented among that of all Buddhist countries. For instance, where five South and Southeast Asian nations basically share the same school of Buddhism – Theravada Buddhism – Japan can boast several different sub-schools under Mahayana Buddhism, the most important among them the Pure Land, the True Pure Land (these first two being the most popular), the Tendai, the Shingon, the Nichiren, and the Zen schools. Most of these originated in China, including Zen Buddhism, which is today probably the most well-known outside Japan. The next post will focus entirely on two sites: the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto.

Shinei-ji Shingon Temple in Sapporo

Inside Shinei-ji Temple

Inside Shinei-ji Temple

Inside Shinei-ji Temple