Page 309 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

BUDDHIST SECTS
In the course of 1,500 years or so, since the BUDDHIST MOVEMENTS
first priests from mainland Asia brought
Buddhism to Japan in the 6th century, Zen Buddhism
This school developed
usurping the native Shinto, hundreds of during the Kamakura
sepa rate Buddhist movements, sects, period (1185–1333).
and subsects developed in the country. There are three main
sects: Soto, Rinzai,
Contrasting beliefs appealed to different groups and Obaku. All place
of nobility, samurai, and commoners, who each emphasis on zazen (sitting
adapted practices to their own ends. In the eyes meditation) and self-help.
of many visitors today, Zen, one-time favorite Shingon
of the samurai, is the quintessential religion Founded in Japan in
of Japan, but it is just one of several major the 9th century by
movements originating in China, and is itself the monk Kukai, this
subdivided into various sects. Of the other branch incorpo rates
movements that flowered in Japan after World Hindu elements, such
War II, the Tendai and Shingon sects of esoteric as hand gestures (mudra) and
Buddhism still have millions of devotees. the chanting of mantras.
Tendai
Brought to Japan in
the 9th century by
the monk Saicho,
Tendai places empha-
sis on selfless devotion.
From its base at Mount Hiei,
Tendai spawned the Jodo, Jodo
Shin, and Nichiren sects.
Shugendo
This offshoot of
Shingon combines
Buddhism and
Shinto beliefs, and
promotes ascetic prac-
tices on mountain retreats.
A man relaxing in the garden
of a Buddhist temple

The contemplative bronze
figure of the Great Buddha
in Kamakura

309

308-309_EW_Japan.indd 309 04/02/2019 14:55