What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion. In Feudal Japan it was the second most popular religion after shintoism. They worship many diffrent gods and they pray in buddhist temples. They always see the positive side of things and they approach things in a relaxed way.
Buddhism
When Buddhism was introduced, shintoism had already been around for a long time.
The buddhist religion originated from China, but through
Korea it came to Japan in the 6th Century.
As Buddhism became more popular, it clashed with the original
belief, Shintoism, but it never replaced the existing religion.
Although Shintoism and Buddhism have overpowered a lot of the other
religions and spiritual beliefs, these other religions have never become non-existent.
Also these beliefs influenced the ways the Japanese lived in the Feudal times, and their
beliefs back then changed the way we view the world today.
The buddhist religion originated from China, but through
Korea it came to Japan in the 6th Century.
As Buddhism became more popular, it clashed with the original
belief, Shintoism, but it never replaced the existing religion.
Although Shintoism and Buddhism have overpowered a lot of the other
religions and spiritual beliefs, these other religions have never become non-existent.
Also these beliefs influenced the ways the Japanese lived in the Feudal times, and their
beliefs back then changed the way we view the world today.
Buddhist Clothing
A kesa was the Buddhist monk robe. They draped under one arm and
fastened on the opposite shoulder. They are thought to be modelled after the
garment that Buddha’s mother made for him.
fastened on the opposite shoulder. They are thought to be modelled after the
garment that Buddha’s mother made for him.
A Buddhists Place of Worship
The Buddhism place of worship is a temple. They are normally
really complicated structures – a lot more complicated than the Shinto place of
worship. They have several different structures including: a Pagoda, large
hall, lecture hall and living quarters for the monks or nuns. The Kinkakuji is
a Buddhist temple built in 1393 (during the feudal period). It was used as a
retirement villa for shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga. Around 1000 people died a day
from severe famine, earthquakes and plague whilst he lived in the luxury of his villa.
really complicated structures – a lot more complicated than the Shinto place of
worship. They have several different structures including: a Pagoda, large
hall, lecture hall and living quarters for the monks or nuns. The Kinkakuji is
a Buddhist temple built in 1393 (during the feudal period). It was used as a
retirement villa for shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga. Around 1000 people died a day
from severe famine, earthquakes and plague whilst he lived in the luxury of his villa.
Buddhist Celebrations and Festivals
There are two main festivals and celebrations
that are celebrated in the Buddhist religion; Wesak and Vassa.
Vassa
This is a time to meditate and study. In
Buddha's time, it was during the rainy season which meant it was hard to travel
and teach so it was a good time for meditation and study. During Vassa, a
meditation retreat, all Buddhists are supposed to set aside some time for study
and meditation. At the end of Vassa, people bring new robes to
monks.
Wesak
This is the celebration of Buddha's birth.
For Theravada Buddhists, it is also the celebration of Buddha's enlightenment
and death. During this celebration, statues of Buddha are decorated. Offerings
are taken to monasteries, and sometimes there are fireworks.
that are celebrated in the Buddhist religion; Wesak and Vassa.
Vassa
This is a time to meditate and study. In
Buddha's time, it was during the rainy season which meant it was hard to travel
and teach so it was a good time for meditation and study. During Vassa, a
meditation retreat, all Buddhists are supposed to set aside some time for study
and meditation. At the end of Vassa, people bring new robes to
monks.
Wesak
This is the celebration of Buddha's birth.
For Theravada Buddhists, it is also the celebration of Buddha's enlightenment
and death. During this celebration, statues of Buddha are decorated. Offerings
are taken to monasteries, and sometimes there are fireworks.
Buddhism
The Buddha
There is no fixed self, Buddhists say. Life depends on other people, and on
circumstances over which we have no control. None of us have a fixed or permanent
self, and as our circumstances change so will we.
Below are the buddhist gods with their pictures and names...
circumstances over which we have no control. None of us have a fixed or permanent
self, and as our circumstances change so will we.
Below are the buddhist gods with their pictures and names...
Buddhist Gods
Avalokiteshvara
"God
of Compassion"
"God
of Compassion"
Berupa
"Enlightened Mahassidha"
"Enlightened Mahassidha"
Dipankara
"Buddha of the
Past"
"Buddha of the
Past"
Maitreya
"Buddha of the Future"
"Buddha of the Future"
Manjushri
"God of Wisdom"
"God of Wisdom"
Padmasambhava
"Guru Rinpoche"
"Guru Rinpoche"
Samantabhadra
"The Primordial Buddha"
"The Primordial Buddha"
Dolma, Goddess Tara
"Mother of All Buddhas"
"Mother of All Buddhas"
Vajrayogini, Blue Tara
Kurukulla, Red Tara