1. Compare/Contrast Shinto & Zen Buddhism

2. Shinto traditional religion of Japan means “the way of the gods”
no founder
no holy book
Kami – local kami (spirit) in mountains, trees, rivers, and other natural objects
Shrines – places of worship (where they felt the power of kami)

3. Japanese (Zen) Buddhism
Buddhism began in India
Went into China, Korea and then to Japan
Buddhism changed to meet the needs of different peoples
In Japan, Buddhism was adapted to Japanese needs
Most famous Buddhist sect is Zen

4. central practice of Zen is meditation
meditation is the emptying of the mind of thoughts in order to aid spiritual growth
effort is required, rather than prayers or rituals
great appeal to the Samurai

5. Zen Buddhism
Meditation (p. 229)

6. Martial Arts

7. Shinto – concerned with daily life; nature & homeland
Buddhism – promised spiritual rewards to the good preparing people for the life to come

8. Shinto Shrine/Buddhist Temple

9. “enso” Enlightenment What is the symbol of Shinto?
The symbol of Shinto is the Torii.
You can find Torii structures all over
Japan at the entrance to Shinto shrines.
The Torii represent the transition
from the profane to the sacred.
“enso” Enlightenment