Japanese Religious Beliefs
Lesson 2: Buddhism in Japanese Culture and Beliefs

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

Aim: How did Japanese people incorporate Buddhism into their culture and existing beliefs?

Instructional Objectives:
- Explain and analyze the syncretic nature of religion in Japan with a focus on the incorporation of Buddhism into Japanese culture.
- Trace the spread of Buddhism to Japan on a map.
- Explain the differences between Buddhism and Shinto.
- Analyze why both religions could generally be practiced simultaneously.
- Clarify how Japan incorporated a foreign religion into its culture and made it uniquely "Japanese."

Motivation: Overhead Transparency: Pamphlet from Ryoanji Temple, Rock Garden
1. Describe what you see.
2. This is a rock garden that is a part of a temple. How is this garden different from gardens you are familiar with? (Show a picture of a typical European garden.)
3. How would looking at this garden make you feel?
4. The purpose of the garden is to encourage reflection. Based on what you have previously learned about Buddhism, how is this goal Buddhist?
5. How is this example of Buddhist art different from the types you have looked at from India and China? What might account for the differences?
6. Based on the class discussion, what question can we ask about the nature of Buddhism in Japan?

I. Introduction: The Spread of Buddhism (review what has been previously learned)
1. How did Buddhism spread into Japan? (Trace a map of Asia on an overhead transparency.)
2. Geographically speaking, how was Japan able to form and sustain its own traditions?
3. Review basic ideas about Mahayana Buddhism. Explain how Mahayana Buddhism spread in Japan. Why was this the case?
4. Buddhism was incorporated without much conflict into Shinto beliefs. Why? (Bodhisattvas seen as a form of kami.)
5. Buddhism in Japan is an example of religious syncretism. Based on this example, how do you think one can define "religious syncretism"?
6. Do you think this made the acceptance of Buddhism easier? Why or why not?
7. How is Buddhism different from Shinto beliefs?

II. Reading 1: Shinto - the Roots and the Trunk
1. Why is Shinto explained as the roots and the trunk?
2. How is Buddhism described?
3. Based on this, how do Buddhism and Shinto complement each other?
4. Based on this, how might Japanese Buddhism be unique?

III. Reading 2: Empress Shotoku - Thanksgiving
1. How is the Thanksgiving festival different from celebrations of Buddhism?
2. How did the Princess prioritize religious beliefs?
3. How does she justify the Shinto festival?
4. How did the Japanese incorporate Buddhist beliefs into their existing culture and ideas?

IV. Application: Modern Japan and Religion
1. How can people reconcile all of these different beliefs?
2. How has the syncretism made Japanese religion unique?
3. How did Japanese people incorporate Buddhist beliefs into their existing culture and ideas?