A Brief Account on Buddhism in Japan Milan Shakya

Buddhism in Japan shows several distinctive characteristics of its own. In a country that sometimes boast of having achieved a secular society, Buddhism often seems marginal to contemporary Japanese culture in the present day. Yet surveys of the populace reveal that a large majority (roughly 75%) identifies itself as Buddhist. (CARL BIELEFELDT, an article written in Encyclopedia of Buddhism. 385). Prior to the introduction of Buddhism, Japans indigenous tradition is Shinto, generally referred to as the way of the gods (kami).Buddhism was introduced in 538 CE. from Korea, when emissaries were sent bearing Buddha images and scriptures. Within half a century, the regent Prince Shotoku declared Buddhism to be the state religion. Some sources even compare Shotoku to be the Indian king Asoka. In the Nara Period (710-784), an extensive program of temple construction was promoted by Emperor Shomu. During this period, six academic traditions of Buddhism were imported from China, essentially without modification: (1) Jojitsu, (2) Kusha, (3) Sanron, (4) Hosso, (5) Ritsu, and (6) Kegon. By 794 CE. the capital was moved to Heian (modern day Kyoto), Buddhism was ready to blossom in Japan. Consequently the Heian Period (794-1185 CE.) was considered the high point in Japanese Buddhist history. Two more Buddhist Schools were imported from China: (1) Tendai, introduced by Saicho (also called Dengyo Daishi) in 805 CE. and (2) Shingon introduced by Kukai (also called Kobo Daishi) in 816 CE. But by the end of the Heian Period, both schools became decadent. By the middle of the eleventh century, it was felt that a period of decline of the Dharma (known as mappo) had befallen Japan. In the next period, known as the Kamakura Period (1192-1338 CE.), a rule was conducted by military Shoguns and a warrior class known as Samurai. A number of new schools of Buddhism arose in this period. Local temples were supported. The first new school to appear was the Pure Land School (Jodo Shu), begun by Honen (1133-1212 CE.) and developed by his disciple Shinran (1173-1263 CE.) as True Pure Land school. Around the same time a fishermans son known as Nichiren (1222-1282 CE.) founded a new school named after him on the basis of Lotus Sutra. The followers of Nichiren chant Namo Myoho Renge Kyo (Homage to the Lotus of the Good Teaching). During the Kamakura Period, two major schools of Zen were also introduced from China. 1. Rinzai Zen by Eisai (1191 CE.) and 2. Soto Zen, by Dogen in 1227 CE. The Kamakura Period also witnessed a general development of the arts, and particularly the tea ceremony, Noh theater productions, and Haiku poetry. Ashikaga Period or the Muromachi Period (1333-1573 CE.) the country was divided among the feudal lords, leading to continual turmoil and eventually civil war. Only the Zen
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monasteries remained peaceful places. There was a military rule and Buddhism was also subject to the militancy. In 1573, Oda Nobunaga overthrew the military government of Ashikaga and actively suppressed Buddhist institutions. He favored the newly introduced cult of Christianity. After the death of Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi took over his stand and also suppressed Buddhist institutions. With the surrender of the Buddhist institutions to the secular power of Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, Buddhist art gradually lapsed into insignificance was replaced by secular art. The Edo Period (1603-1867 CE.) Iyeyasu Tokugawa established a military dictatorship that lasted until 1867. During this period, Japan completely isolated itself from the outside world. Although there was a little religious liberty, various Buddhist schools kept their traditions alive with scholarship and similar efforts. Imperial Japan (1868-1945): The Meiji Restoration in 1868 ended the long isolation of Japan and restored the power of the Imperial Household which had been under the shadow of successive military governments for the previous 600 years. Japan opened its door to the world and encountered the impact of Western culture and technology. Influenced by the western developed world, Meiji government went to extremes to cope with modern developed nations. The capital was transfered from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868. But as the Emperor was regarded as the living god of Shinto, Buddhism had no room in this schema. Once again Buddhism was suppressed. Following World War II, religious life changed dramatically. State Shinto which had been hostile to Japanese Buddhism was no longer in control. Buddhism once again sprang to life although there was a least state support. The progress in Buddhism was more due to the hard work of monks and scholars in temples and monasteries. Formerly Buddhist Soto and Rinzai schools, for example became Komozawa and Hanazono Universities respectively. The aftermath of World War II which annihilated Hiroshima and Nagasaki and led to Japanese defeat gave incentive for speedy development in Japan in such a way that it could emulate to the most developed western world in no time at all. Now, there are many Buddhist Universities in Japan and many Buddhist institutions like Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai and the International Organization Reyukai, Soka Gokkai International, Rissho Kosei-kai and so on.