Japanese Religious Beliefs

Kathleen Baldini
Edward R. Murrow High School
Brooklyn, New York City

LESSON: JAPANESE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
This lesson explores the major ideas and objectives of Shinto, an indigenous Japanese religion. By critically examining the Shinto Creation myth and the importance of purification in Japanese shrines, students will analyze how Japanese religious beliefs are connected to and appreciate nature.

Lesson Plan

LESSON: BUDDHISM IN JAPANESE CULTURE AND BELIEFS
This lesson explains and analyzes the syncretic nature of Japanese religion with a focus on the incorporation of Buddhism into it. By tracing the spread of Buddhism in Japan and by comparing and contrasting the principles of Buddhism and Shinto, students will analyze how and why both religions could be practiced simultaneously.

Lesson Plan