Sects and religions in Japan

sects

Today some 90 million people consider themselves Buddhists in Japan. Buddhism was imported to Japan through China and Korea in the form of a gift from the Korean kingdom of friendship Kudara (Paikche) in the 6th century. Although Buddhism was favorably received by the ruling nobles as the new state religion of Japan, it had not, initially spread among the common people, due to its complex theories.

There were also some initial conflicts with Shinto, the native religion of Japan. The two religions that were soon able to coexist, and even complement each other. During the Nara Period, the great Buddhist monasteries in the capital of Nara, such as Todaiji, gained strong political influence and were one of the reasons for the government to move the capital to Nagaoka in 784 and then to Kyoto in 794. .

However, the problem of politically ambitious and militant monasteries remains a major issue for governments throughout many centuries of Japanese history. During the early Heian period, two new Buddhist sects were introduced from China: the Tendai sect in the year 805 by Saicho and the sect Shingon in 806 by Kukai. More sects later parted ways with the Tendai sect. Among these, the most important are mentioned below:

En 1175, the Jodo sect (Pure Land sect) was founded by Honen. He found followers among different social classes since his theories were simple and based on the principle that everyone can achieve salvation by force of believing in Amida Buddha.

And in 1191, the Zen sect It was introduced from China. His complicated theories were especially popular with members of the military class. According to Zen teachings, one can achieve self-enlightenment through meditation and discipline. Today, Zen seems to enjoy greater popularity abroad than within Japan.

There is also the Nichiren sect, founded by Nichiren in 1253. The sect was exceptional due to its attitude of intolerance towards other Buddhist sects. Nichiren Buddhism still has many millions of followers today, and several "new religions" are based on Nichiren's teachings.


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