East Asia Religions and Philosophies

Buddhism in East Asia Mahayana Believe in becoming Buddhas themselves Become Bodhisattvas Reach Nirvana, but delay final rebirth to help others achieve Nirvana 3 Different types in East Asia Pure Land (Japan) Zen (Japan) Tantric or Tibetan (Tibet/China)

Pure Land Buddhism Found in Japan Worship Amida Buddha Buddha of Boundless Light Reborn into paradise called Pure Land

Zen Buddhism Developed in China, but the majority of Zen Buddhists currently live in Japan Centers on using meditation to reach Satori -special kind of enlightenment illumination that allows one to live calmly and compassionately in the world -can be reached by physical labor or by mediating while sitting in the Lotus position and focusing on a Koan (riddle) Ex: What is the sound of 1 hand clapping Satori needs to be reached individually No others can help one to achieve this

Expressions of Zen the Spirit Martial Arts Enhances discipline and self-awareness Karate and Judo Gardening Simple but exact mirroring the tranquility of Zen

Tantric Buddhism Located in Tibet/China Under the direction of the Dalai Lama Spiritual leader (like the Pope) When he dies soul enters the body of a newborn boy Was also the ruler of Tibet This ended in 2011 by the current Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso

Meditation and Mandalas While meditating Tibetan Buddhists focus on Mandalas Tool for gaining wisdom and compassion After mediating on Mandala student will close eyes and try to visualize picture The mind becomes disciplined while the heart merges with the spirit of the Mandala Elaborate design rich with color and detail Often circular containing portraits of various gods or intricate patterns Sand Mandalas effect healing and purification

Creation of a sand mandala Video from CNN:

Shintoism Traditional religion of Japan Began as nature worship (animism) Polytheistic Believe in Supernatural spirts-Kami (Gods) In habit all aspects of nature Izanagi and Izanami Created Earth Stood on a rainbow stirred the water to create many islands: Japan Amaterasu Omikami Sun Goddess

Shintoism Cont… Shintoism did not have a name when it was first created Only given a name to distinguish it from Buddhism There is no founder or well-known leaders Most important people in Shintoism are Ancestors Teaches one should be thankful for and reverent to all aspects of nature Physical purity is the most important goal not moral purity Washing hands and mouth before entering a shrine

Important Works & Symbols There are no sacred texts Just important works Kojiki and Nihongi Both cover the history of the Japanese people and their customs And Shinto rituals and practices Symbols Torii-sacred gates Found outside of shrines (where Kami live-the most popular shrine is in Ise for Amaterasu)

State Religion vs Secular Religion State Religion Now nature, hero, ancestor and emperor worship Emperor was to be worshipped as a God All Japanese people were expected to participate Some people also participated in a more personal version called Secular Shinto (more concerned with nature and ancestors than emperor) State religion Dissolved after WWII Emperor stated that he is not a God and should not be worshipped.

COEXISTING Many people consider themselves to be both Shinto and Buddhist Both faiths exist together in Japan Shinto has no concept of a single god or moral precepts-making it easy to accept other religious teachings Shinto deals with here and now (Birth/Weddings) People had questions about afterlife----  Buddhism (Funerals) Buddhism gets absorbed into local folk religions Certain Shinto gods became protectors of the Buddha