Japanese Buddhism

Japanese Buddhism has been a distinctive force in the Empire of the Rising Sun.  There is no debate that Buddhism was imported to Japan from China.  Many elements of Japanese culture came from China.  Confucius, for instance, has had a steady following in Japan for a very long time too.  During the Nara period, Buddhism continued to prosper and it attracted a lot of devoted people.  They mainly came from the upper classes of society.  Of course, genuine religious motives were sometimes mixed with political ambitions.  Even so, Buddhism became a powerful force to reckon with in the history of the Japanese people.

Today, religous options are open to Japanese people.  Shinto is one faith that has survived along with Buddhism.  In Japan Buddhism and other similar views became blended with the worship of Japan's emperor over time.  So these facts make the Japanese experience with religion quite distinct from that of China.  Buddhism remains a peaceful faith for millions of people throughout the world.  In East Asia it has certainly left its mark!

Best regards from the East,

Harlan Urwiler

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