Shintoism: The Role Of Buddhism In Japan

Buddhism survived as the prime religion in Japan over Shintoism because of the way it went about seeking control appealed to all rather than few. There are few religions that dominate as greatly as Buddhism and Shinto in Japan. One was established by the Japanese themselves while the other was introduced by trade. Both manipulated their citizens and maintained control. However, Buddhism is the one that truly triumphed in its actions.

Shinto is an “…indigenous religion of the Yamato Japanese.” (School Text. 265) It was first established during the time of Yayoi culture. This has been shown to be true by the various archeological discoveries made that “ritual sites from the Yayoi period leave little doubt that during this period, people believed

The Prince “played a key role in establishing Buddhism in Japan right after its official introduction.” (HoJB.18) Interestingly enough the Prince came to be so enamoured with the religion thanks to when he was young a visiting clergy from Korea went about “Prostrating himself one day, before the little son of the Mikado, the priest declared he recognized him the re-incarnation of one of the disciples of Buddha, and one who was destined to effect a great spiritual work in Japan.” (ReligioninJapan.52) This obviously stuck with Shotoku because after he came back from his visit to the Tang Dynasty he worked tirelessly to spread the religion of Buddhism as the one true religion. He revealed in his writings “This world is a lie,” he wrote, reflecting the Buddhist belief in an ultimate reality beyond.” (School Text.268) The priest’s control was subtle. He placed the prince in a position that promised authority and significance. This lead to Shotoku’s efforts to spread the foreign religion effortlessly which made Buddhism heir apparent to Japan. For this Shotoku is considered the Father of Japanese

“In the high culture of the capital, Shinto was almost entirely absorbed by Buddhism.” (Class Text. 276) The outlook of Buddhism took the gods of Shinto and shaped them to fit their viewpoint. This can be seen in the fact “Originally, it was believed that the Buddha would save suffering deities. Later, it was said that deities were the incarnations of the Buddha appearing as guardian figures for the salvation of the people.” (HoJB.38) They took those gods and made them Buddha so they were no longer merely gods. It was quite a clever way to influence religion. They appeared first as saviors and then transformed the old thought into a new point of view. Effortlessly connect the past with the present into their liking of