Ancient Japanese Religion

by Austin Taylor

If you can see this you're god-levelled in the skill known usually as eyesight

raise your hand at the end of the presentation if you saw this

What kind of religions were in ancient Japan, and how were they implemented into their society?

The two religions in ancient Japan were

Shinto and Buddhism

Shinto

  • Known as the "way of the spirits and deities"
  • The worshipping of beings or awe inspiring objects
  • There was a lot of cults which formed into "Shinto"

Buddhism

  • Known as the path to enlightenment or spirtitual awakening
  • Came to Japan through China then Korea from India
  • Was debated if buddhism was trustable, and pro-buddhism won.

How was each divine being, etc. worshipped, and what happens if the worshipper doesn’t follow the rules of the worshipped?

Worshipping kami in Shinto and worshipping the Buddha's teachings in Buddhism

Kami

  • Kami were worshipped by praying in a shrine
  • If a kami gets angry, it can bring misfortune on a worshipper

Buddha's teachings

  • Following the teachings to reach spiritual awakening is buddhism's way of worship
  • Karma is justice dealt by the universe for the crimes you committed in any life you've had

What are some religious symbols found in the religions of ancient japan?

  • Shinto: Torii gate
  • Buddhism: Eight Auspicious Symbols

Torii

  • A gate, put at entrance of shrine
  • Symbolizes entrance or exit to sacred space

Wheel of Dharma

  • Eight spokes on wheel represent the Noble Eightfold Path

Parasol

  • A symbol of royal dignity and heat protection from the sun

Two golden fish

  • Represented two rivers, now represents good fortune

Banner of Victory

  • Represents victory over a demon and what it represented

Lotus

  • Represents the true nature of beings which bypass rebirth into beauty and enlightenment

Conch Shell

  • Its white coil represents how Dharma's sound reaches far and wide across the world

Vase

  • A vase that's infinitely full, which represents Buddha's teachings

Bibliography

if you can read this you have good eyes youtu.be/HUGbue6Rhi8

Japanese Religions - Paul Watt https://goo.gl/287LtP

https://goo.gl/TCcM7D

https://goo.gl/3UCWL7

​https://goo.gl/TCcM7D

https://goo.gl/w2YK2D

not all links were added

Japanese Religion

By Austin Taylor

Japanese Religion

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