Japanese Temple
Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BC. It consists of the teachings of the Buddha, Gautama
Siddhartha. Of the main branches of Buddhism, it is the Mahayana or "Greater Vehicle" Buddhism which found its
way to Japan.
Buddhism was imported to Japan via China and Korea in the form of a present from the friendly Korean kingdom
of Kudara (Paikche) in the 6th century. While Buddhism was welcomed by the ruling nobles as Japan's new state
religion, it did not initially spread among the common people due to its complex theories.
There were also a few initial conflicts with Shinto, Japan's native religion. The two religions were soon able to coexist and even complement each other.
During the Nara Period, the great Buddhist monasteries in the capital 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. Nevertheless, the problem of politically ambitious and militant monasteries remained a main issue for the
governments over many centuries of Japanese history.
Nara's Todaiji
During the early Heian Period, two new Buddhist sects were introduced from China: the Tendai sect in 805 by
Saicho and the Shingon sect in 806 by Kukai. More sects later branched off the Tendai sect. Among these, the most
important ones are mentioned below:
In 1175, the Jodo sect (Pure Land sect) was founded by Honen. It found followers among all different social
classes since its theories were simple and based on the principle that everybody can achieve salvation by strongly
believing in the Buddha Amida. In 1224, the Jodo-Shinshu (True Pure Land sect) was founded by Honen's
successor Shinran. The Jodo sects continue to have millions of followers today.
In 1191, the Zen sect was introduced from China. Its complicated theories were popular particularly among the
members of the military class. According to Zen teachings, one can achieve self enlightenment through meditation
and discipline. At present, Zen seems to enjoy a greater popularity overseas than within Japan.
The Lotus Hokke or Nichiren sect was founded by Nichiren in 1253. The sect was exceptional due to its intolerant
stance towards other Buddhist sects. Nichiren Buddhism still has many millions of followers today, and several
"new religions" are based on Nichiren's teachings.
Kamakura's Great Buddha
Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi fought the militant Buddhist monasteries (especially the Jodo sects) at the
end of the 16th century and practically extinguished Buddhist influence on the political sector.
Buddhist institutions were attacked again in the early years of the Meiji Period, when the new Meiji government
favored Shinto as the state religion and tried to separate and emancipate it from Buddhism.
Nowadays about 90 million people consider themselves Buddhists in Japan. However, the religion does not
directly affect the everyday life of the average Japanese very strongly. Funerals are usually carried out in a
Buddhist way, and many households keep a small house altar in order to pay respect to their ancestors.
Temples are the places of worship in Japanese Buddhism. Virtually every Japanese municipality has at least one
temple, while large cultural centers like Kyoto have several thousands. Temples store and display sacred Buddhist
objects. Some temples used to be monasteries, and some still function as such. Structures typically found at
Japanese temples are: Main hall, Lecture hall, Pagoda, gates, Bell, and cemetery.
Main hall
The sacred objects of worship, such as statues, are displayed in the main hall. Main halls are called
kondo, hondo, butsuden, amidado or hatto in Japanese.
Example: Main hall of Todaiji in Nara.
Lecture hall:
Lecture halls are for meetings and lectures and often also display objects of worship. Lecture halls are called kodo.
Example: Lecture hall of Toji in Kyoto.
Pagoda
The pagoda, a structure that has evolved from the Indian stupa, usually comes with three (sanju no to) or five (goju
no to) stories. Pagodas store remains of the Buddha such as a tooth, usually in form of a representation.
Example: 3-storied pagoda of Kofukuji in Nara
Gates
Gates mark the entrance to the temple grounds. There is usually one main gate, and possibly several additional
gates, along the temple's main approach.
Example: Sanmon Gate of Kenchoji in Kamakura.
San-mon Gate - Tofukuji Temple
Bell
On New Year's Eve, temple bells are rung 108 times, corresponding to the Buddhist concept of 108 worldly desires.
Example: Great Bell of Kenchoji in Kamakura.
Japanese temple bell (HASSELBLAD SWC)
Cemetery
Most cemeteries in Japan are Buddhist and are located at a temple. The Japanese visit their ancestors' graves on
many occasions during the year, especially during the obon week, the equinoctial weeks and anniversaries.
Graves In Japanese Cemetery Plots In Engakuji Zen Buddhist Temple In Kamakura, Japan