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Pure Land and Esoteric
Buddhism By Brandon and David
Buddhism in Japan Buddhism was brought into
Japan as a political tool Buddhahood was only
granted to the elite Buddhism meshed with
Shinto traditions Todaiji built with the kami,
Hachiman’s approval Hachiman shrine built
overlooking Todaiji
Guanyin Bodhisattva from China
came to Japan, popularized Buddhism
Bodhisattvas have no gender but Chinese portrayed him as male, Japanese embraced a more female form
Name became Kanon, Kan- (suffering seen) on- (suffering heard
Popular with warriors because Kanon is associated with fearlessness
Nara Period Buddhism 701, Buddhism gained many
bureaus such as libraries, arts, and archetecture
Government feared too much power from Buddhism and kept a close eye on their actions
Two monks, Saicho and Kokai, trying to revitalize Buddhism, studied in China
Returned 803, Saicho developed Tendai Buddhism while Kokai Buddhism
Tendai popular for its belief of Buddhahood and acceptance of kami
Genshin Genshin, a Tendai monk
first started Pure Land Buddhism around late 900
Predicted in 1052 he described a period of degenerate Dharma (mappo)
Described six levels of existence: hell, hungry ghost, demon, animal, human, heavenly beings
People were all in the same existence so focus was on the common person
Yoshishige no Yasutane Writer, in 985, of stories of
achieving Buddhahood Believed women can achieve
Buddhahood even though other monks were still discussing the possibility
One example story, a girl from aristocratic family develops access to Pure Land, becomes a man
Other stories revolve around pious, unmarried women completely focused on the teachings of Buddhism
Honen Honen developed Pure Land
further stating repetition of Namu Amida Butsu sincerely was sufficient for entrance to Pure Land
Meant anyone from peasants to monks to aristocrats all had an equal chance to enter
In 1207, he was banished for this idea, continued to roam spreading the word to farmers/fishermen and gaining popularity
After death, his grave was defiled, work burned
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRwfQNq83LU
Around 1450, Rennyo reorganized Pure Land
Armed peasants and masterless samurai joined to defend Honganji temple
By 1500 word spread of their actions and other rebellions occurred around Japan
Although their temple was never sacked, the peasants were eventually defeated by Warlord Nobunaga
Brought under partial control
Temple in Society Temples in Japan function as
religious center and secular institution.
Buddhist temple is known as Otera. Shinto temples are known as Jinja, or Omiya, Jingu.
The Shinto Shrine is a house for the Kami. A Buddhist temple is build to house or enclose a congregation of worshippers.
Functions of Temple Temples in Japan function as
religious center and secular institution.
Japanese Temples and shrines serve as banks.
Buddhist Temple Buddhist Temples is associated with
family. Primary function has been to secure
the repose of family’s ancestors. Buddhist Temples have also
functions as schools. Buddhist Temples are also festival
centers.
Shrines and Temples are permanent institution for worship.
The purpose of worship is securing good luck or magical boons.
Temples and Shrines functions as “market place” where vows, prayers, and offerings can be exchange for boons.