Pure Land and Esoteric

Buddhism By Brandon and David

Buddhism in Japan Buddhism was brought into

Japan as a political tool Buddhahood was only

granted to the elite Buddhism meshed with

Shinto traditions Todaiji built with the kami,

Hachiman’s approval Hachiman shrine built

overlooking Todaiji

Guanyin Bodhisattva from China

came to Japan, popularized Buddhism

Bodhisattvas have no gender but Chinese portrayed him as male, Japanese embraced a more female form

Name became Kanon, Kan- (suffering seen) on- (suffering heard

Popular with warriors because Kanon is associated with fearlessness

Nara Period Buddhism 701, Buddhism gained many

bureaus such as libraries, arts, and archetecture

Government feared too much power from Buddhism and kept a close eye on their actions

Two monks, Saicho and Kokai, trying to revitalize Buddhism, studied in China

Returned 803, Saicho developed Tendai Buddhism while Kokai Buddhism

Tendai popular for its belief of Buddhahood and acceptance of kami

Genshin Genshin, a Tendai monk

first started Pure Land Buddhism around late 900

Predicted in 1052 he described a period of degenerate Dharma (mappo)

Described six levels of existence: hell, hungry ghost, demon, animal, human, heavenly beings

People were all in the same existence so focus was on the common person

Yoshishige no Yasutane Writer, in 985, of stories of

achieving Buddhahood Believed women can achieve

Buddhahood even though other monks were still discussing the possibility

One example story, a girl from aristocratic family develops access to Pure Land, becomes a man

Other stories revolve around pious, unmarried women completely focused on the teachings of Buddhism

Honen Honen developed Pure Land

further stating repetition of Namu Amida Butsu sincerely was sufficient for entrance to Pure Land

Meant anyone from peasants to monks to aristocrats all had an equal chance to enter

In 1207, he was banished for this idea, continued to roam spreading the word to farmers/fishermen and gaining popularity

After death, his grave was defiled, work burned

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRwfQNq83LU

Around 1450, Rennyo reorganized Pure Land

Armed peasants and masterless samurai joined to defend Honganji temple

By 1500 word spread of their actions and other rebellions occurred around Japan

Although their temple was never sacked, the peasants were eventually defeated by Warlord Nobunaga

Brought under partial control

Temple in Society Temples in Japan function as

religious center and secular institution.

Buddhist temple is known as Otera. Shinto temples are known as Jinja, or Omiya, Jingu.

The Shinto Shrine is a house for the Kami. A Buddhist temple is build to house or enclose a congregation of worshippers.

Functions of Temple Temples in Japan function as

religious center and secular institution.

Japanese Temples and shrines serve as banks.

Buddhist Temple Buddhist Temples is associated with

family. Primary function has been to secure

the repose of family’s ancestors. Buddhist Temples have also

functions as schools. Buddhist Temples are also festival

centers.

Shrines and Temples are permanent institution for worship.

The purpose of worship is securing good luck or magical boons.

Temples and Shrines functions as “market place” where vows, prayers, and offerings can be exchange for boons.