TWO RELIGIONS OF JAPAN
7 Grade World History and Geography
Chapter 5—Japan Before Modern Times
Section 3—Japanese Culture and Society
Sherri Collie
TH
*7.27—Compare the major features of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, and Japanese
Buddhism.
*One sixty minute class period
*Objectives:
1. Identify the main aspects and details of Japanese religion.
2. Create a shrine to a kami.
3. Write a paragraph about Buddhism in Japan.
*Vocabulary:
1. Shinto—traditional religion of Japan.
2. Torii—a gate that marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine.
3. Ema—wooden cards that people write prayers and wishes on to leave at the shrines.
4. Shimenawa—a rope that marks a sacred or holy space.
5. Kami—a spirit.
6. Buddhism—religion based on the teachings of the Indian spiritual leader Siddhartha Gautama.
7. Buddha—the Enlightened One.
8. Cultural Diffusion—the spread of culture around the world.
*Materials Needed:
Picture of a Japanese Buddha
Pictures of Shinto Shrines
Colors
Foldable
*Procedures:
1. Discuss each religion with students. Locate Japan on a map. Inform students about the
country. Discuss the native religion of Shinto. Discuss Buddhism and how it reached Japan.
Locate India, China, and Korea on a map.
2. Pass out foldable that compare the two religions—Shinto and Buddhism.The foldable is a
booklet. Fold the paper in half like a hamburger. Open it up and at the bottom of the page; fold
up one half inch of paper. Students are to write Shinto on the left bottom side. Students will write
Buddhism on the right bottom side of the fold.
3. Compare Shinto and Buddhism by filling in information on the foldable.
4. Students will decorate the front side of the Shinto foldable with something describing Shinto.
Students will decorate the back side of the foldable with something describing Buddhism.
4. Students will create a personal shrine to a kami using the torii.
5. Students will sum up how Buddhism is practiced in Japan.
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*Questions:
1. What is religion?
2. Why is religion necessary?
3. How does culture spread?
*Assessment:
Students will create a Venn diagram to compare the two religions.
*Resources;
Textbook—Pearson-myWorld History and Geography
www.japan-guide.com
www.britannica .com
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SHINTO
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Shinto is the traditional religion of Japan.
Shinto means “the way of the gods.”
Shinto has no founder, no scripture, and no permanent set of gods.
In Shinto, each clan worshipped its own kami
Kami’s can be found in mountains, trees, rivers, and other natural objects.
Through the kami, the people learned proper behavior and values.
Shrines were built where the power of the kami was felt.
Thousands of shrines still exist in Japan today.
BUDDHISM
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of the Indian spiritual leader,
Siddhartha Gautama.
Buddha is the Enlightened One.
Buddhism originated in India. It went first to China and Korea before reaching Japan.
Buddhist monks worship inside of temples in Japan.
The Great Buddha Hall at the Todaiji Temple is the world’s largest wooden building.
Buddhism has different schools of thought:
a.
Mahayana Buddhism teaches that all living beings have the potential to be
enlightened.
b.
Shingon Buddhism—Buddhists recite “true words” in the form of mantras. A
mantra is a sacred word, chant, or sound that is repeated over and over to
advance ones spiritual growth.
c.
Pure Land Buddhism is centered on the concept of bodhisattva, a merciful
being who has achieved enlightenment but chooses to remain on Earth to help
others.
d.
Zen Buddhism is followers who meditate to empty their mind of thoughts in
order to aid spiritual growth.
SHINTO
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Shinto is the _____________religion of Japan.
Shinto means “________________.”
Shinto has no_________, no _______, and no permanent set of ________.
In Shinto, each clan worshipped its own ____________.
Kami’s can be found in__________, ______, _________, and other natural objects.
Through the kami, the people learned proper ___________ and _________.
____________ were built where the power of the kami was felt.
Thousands of shrines still exist in __________ today.
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BUDDHISM
1. Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of the Indian spiritual leader,
_______________________.
2. Buddha is the _____________________.
3. Buddhism originated in __________. It went first to China and Korea before reaching
Japan.
4. Buddhist _____________ worship inside of temples in Japan.
5. The Great _________________ at the Todaiji Temple is the world’s largest wooden
building.
6. Buddhism has different schools of thought:
a. _______________ Buddhism teaches that all living beings have the potential to be
enlightened.
b. _______________ Buddhism—Buddhists recite “true words” in the form of mantras. A
mantra is a sacred word, chant, or sound that is repeated over and over to advance ones
spiritual growth.
c. ________________ Buddhism is centered on the concept of bodhisattva, a merciful being
who has achieved enlightenment but chooses to remain on Earth to help others.
d. _____ Buddhism is followers who meditate to empty their mind of thoughts in order to
aid spiritual growth.
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