1. How are Shinto and Japanese Buddhism similar?
7.27 Compare the major features of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, and Japanese
Buddhism. (C, H)

2. Term Hint Definition Shinto Kami Torii coexist Ema Shimenawa Mantra
Chinese characters shen ‘divine being’ and tao ‘way’; way of spirits
Kami
Invisible spirit/power; can be forces of nature, elements of landscape, spirits of deceased; not considered God/gods
Torii
A gate that separates the profane from the sacred
coexist
To live together in harmony through tolerance
Ema
Wooden card that the Japanese use to write prayers and wishes on at a Shinto shrine
Shimenawa
Rope that marks a sacred or holy space; may hand from Torii
Mantra
Sacred word, chant, or sound that is repeated over and over to advance one’s spiritual growth

3. Open to page 192

4. Think-Share-Ink Why are Shinto and Buddhism able to coexist?
Quote word for word 3 pieces of evidence from the text.

5. Shinto
Indiginous
Buddhism

6. Shinto Indiginous Buddhism
No known founder, no god, or single sacred scripture
devoted to life in THIS world -- no absolutes
emphasis on man’s innate goodness, no concept of “original” sin
What matters? RITUALS—allow humans to communicate with kami
Kami– appreciate a person’s interest in them, they want you to be happy, if treated property they will intervene to bring benefits in health, exams, and business success
Many Japanese have an alter in their home—rarely practiced by any other culture
not viewed as a religion by Japanese but as a cultural ritual which allows it to coexist with Buddhism
ancient belief in nature
Arrived from China and Korea
It absorbed Shinto gods
Most believe in Mahayana Buddhism-- teachings like a raft that carries people across the sea of life to enlightenment
All living beings have the potential to be enlightened
no one is too bad or lowly
Use mantras in repetition
meditation– emptying of the mind of thoughts in order to aid spiritual growth which requires effort from the individual, not prayers or rituals
focus on self-control and discipline (used by Samurai before battle)
Shinto
Indiginous
Buddhism

7. Get out your dry-erase markers.

8. What is this called and what is it associated with?

9. Little is known about life before Shinto; however, we believe the people indigenous to Japan have always had a deep appreciation and belief in what?

10. What are the two focuses of Buddhism?

11. What is Kami?

12. Which is steeped in rituals?

13. Which part of Japanese culture believes teachings are like a raft that carry people across the sea of life to enlightenment?

14. What is this Buddhist doing? It involves emptying the mind.

15. What is this? Which is it associated with?
Show only a small clip… no need for all of it.

16. How are Buddhism and Shinto similar and different
How are Buddhism and Shinto similar and different? Design a mini-poster that showcases the culture of Japan, your graphic organizer, and your vocabulary.

17. How are Buddhism and Shinto similar and different
How are Buddhism and Shinto similar and different? Design a mini-poster that showcases the culture of Japan, your graphic organizer, and your vocabulary.

18. How are Shinto and Japanese Buddhism similar?
7.27 Compare the major features of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, and Japanese
Buddhism. (C, H)