Simplicity

and Formin

Japanese Culture

HSS 7.5.4

Trace the development of distinctive forms of Japanese Buddhism.

HSS 7.5.5

Study the ninth and tenth centuries' golden age of literature, art, and drama and its lasting effects on culture today.

Shinto• “Way of the Gods”• Belief: kami (spirits) exist in all things, living or not

• Respect for nature

• Revere simplicity• A state of purity leads to guidance from kami

Zen Buddhism• “Meditation”• Awareness of reality reached through meditation and self-discipline

• Meditation needs to be in a simple, non-distracting atmosphere

• Seek truth in simplicity

Japan’s Geography• Archipelago: chain of volcanic islands

• Only 1/6 of Japan is habitable

• Population lives close together, mostly on coasts

• Much rain = fertile soil

• Many earthquakes and typhoons

Follow along as the tape plays:

Dry Landscape Garden(Karesansui))

How does Japan’s geography, Shinto, and Zen Buddhism influence dry landscape gardens?

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Japanese Flower Arrangement(Ikebana)

How does Japan’s geography, Shinto, and Zen Buddhism influence Japanese flower

arrangement??

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Japanese Homes

How does Japan’s geography, Shinto,

and Zen Buddhism influence

Japanese homes? Japanese homes?

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Japanese Tea Ceremony(Chanoyu)

How does Japan’s geography, Shinto, and Zen Buddhism influence Japanese tea

ceremonies??

Rise of the Military Class

Ancient Warriors--Japanese Samurai