Buddhism Comes to Japan Part 2

endai sect, which was based on the Lotus Sutracan be achieved by faith in Amida’s power to
(Saddharma Punฺdฺarika) andsave and by the calling of his name in faith, that is,
emphasized the capacity of alt beings to attainthe saying of the Nembutsu; ‘Nauru Amida
Buddhahood, was founded as a synthesis of theButsu’ - Homage to Amida Buddha, Its faith is
doctrines and practices of Tien-Tai, Zen, esotericsymbolized by the Daibutsu or great image of Amida
Buddhism and the Vinaya sect. Shingon was a formBuddha erected at Kamakura in B.E. 1795 (1252 C.E.).
of Mantrayana, esoteric Buddhism which taughtThere are two sects of this form, which were
secret doctrines and mystic rituals. It taught both theclosely related historically, viz.,
spirit of the original esoteric teachings and the rituals1.1 Jodo, founded by Honen who organized his
of chanting Mantras. As these two sects werefollowers around the recitation of the Nembutsu;
reactions against the degenerate practices of the city1.2 Shin or Jodo-Shin (True Pure Land), founded by
monks of Nara, their monastic centres wereShinran, a disciple of Honen, as a reform of Jodo.
established in remote and secluded places on theShinran emphasized the absolute reliance on the
mountains. Their philosophies and ceremonies wereexternal power of Amida and the equality of all
still too complex to be easily understood by thebeings before the Buddha. Any practice that was a
common people. Therefore, in the latter part of thesign of trust in one’s own powers and lack of
Heian period the popular doctrine of salvation by faithtrust in Amida’s grace must be rejected.
through devotion to Amida Buddha began to develop.Therefore, the Shin sect gives up monastic discipline
As regards the two sects themselves, the commonand all acts of self-effort such as doctrinal study,
people would accept only superstitions attached tomeditation and rituals, and also any concern for lucky
them. Shingon even degenerated into the praying cultand unlucky times, astrology and prayers. There is no
practised only for worldly benefits. At last thedivision between the monkhood and the laity. Shinran
monastic centres of the two sects also becameand later leaders of the sect married and led ordinary
worldly and corrupt. There were even priest-warriorslives among the people.
in leading. temples, who fought against each other.2. Zen is a meditative sect which emphasizes the
The Three Sects of Kamakuraexistence of the original Buddhahood in every being
Much warfare added by social disorder and naturaland believes in the sudden enlightenment through
disasters brought to an end the imperial rule in B.E.mind-to-mind instruction without dependence on the
1699 (1156 C.E.) and also the Heian period in B.E. 1728words and letters of scriptures. Meditation practices
(1185 C.E.). This was followed by the rise of feudalism(Zazen), moral discipline, actions in daily life and
and the Kamakura period of shogunate which lastedearnest work for mankind are required in order. to
till B.E. 1876 (1333 C.E.). The great distress which theattain Satori or the Enlightenment. Of the two chief
people suffered during the period of disorder rousedbranches of Zen, Rinzai Zen, which prescribes stricter
the need for the simplification of religious theoriesdiscipline and the use of paradoxes (Koan) in
and practices to suit religious needs of the commonmeditation, has had greater appeal for members of
people. This led to the arising of three major formsthe military and ruling class such as the samurai, while
of Buddhism which still flourish in Modern Japan.Soto Zen, which emphasizes ethical precepts,
1. Pure Land Buddhism or Amidism believes inBodhisattva practices and silent sitting-and-waiting
salvation by faith. It teaches the reliance upon themeditation, has had larger following among the
grace of Amitabha Buddha to be reborn in thecommon people.
Western Paradise of Jodo or Sukhavati. This rebirth