buddhism+holidays+and+festivals

Article One : Zen Buddhism in Japan

A lot of the contribution of zen buddhism in Japan has shadows of the chinese culture and beliefs. Some said the story began when some monks travelled to mainlan in 500 C.E. and brought back teachings, practices and Chines cultural tradditions. The official story was that in 538 C.E., a political delegation arrived from Korea, and for the Emperor, he brought a bronze Buddha image, Sutras, religious objects and letter praising the most excellent Dharma. A temple was built to displays these gifts but were later destroyed. Establishing Buddhism as a religion was actually officially recognized and supported in the next half century. Then the Chinese script was introduced, and it provided the Japanese the means to assimilate the tradition of classic and the Chinese version of Buddhist canon. There are 3 characteristics in terms of the arrival of Buddhism in Japan. Firstly, It was only accepted by the imperial court and did not come in a popular level. Next, It was often associated with magic powers and it was mean to used by the court of preventing or curing diseases. Finally, It did not replace indigenous kani surprisingly, but the japanese continued to recognize the existences of it. The fact led to many Shinto-Buddhist amalgamation, and considered manifestations of Buddhas. At the time, the mean of Buddhism was to search for fulfillment and ultimate truth, not in any transcendental sphere, but within the struture of secular life, neither denying nor repressing man's natural feelings, desires or customs. Thus, this explains how Japanese arts and skills like tea ceremony and arts of gardening are pervaded by Buddhism spirituality.

Heian Periods (794-1185) The emergence of more characteristically Japanese form of Buddhism and importance changes developed in 794. During this time, there were 2 dominant schools of teaching: Tendai and Shingon. Saicho (767-822) and Kukai (774-835) had greatly influenced those change. Saicho was the founder of Tendai school. Based on Loctus Sutra, he became partial to teachings of Chinese grand master Chih-I and T'ien-t'ai school. Then in 804, he became his journey to China, and when he returned, he improved in the knowledge of teachings and practices and as well as sutras. He then established his base on Mount Hiei, He added 3 elements to the teachings of Chih-I: practice of Chinese Ch'an; commandments of Mahayana; parts of esoteric teching of the "True Word", Chen-yen. Therefore, he made decisive step away from academic Buddhism of early periods, to a more active kind of religion based belief. The essential element in doctrine of Tendai was the possibility of salvation is given to all. Kukai involved mysterious radiance in the secret doctrine "Ture Word". In 804 he travelled to China and were able to answer all questions he had regarding his early studies of Taoism and Confucianism, the Mahavaircana Sutra. He also returned with skills and instructions to impart. He later built his head quarter on Mount Koya. In 835 he fell into complete silence during a sitting in deep meditation. Esoteric practices were very influential and pretty much dominated the Heian period. Near the end of the Heian period, a form of more popular Buddhism emerged and was connected with philosophy of a deteriorating "the final period of the dharma". In conclusion, it propounded notion that salvation was only possible through intercession of buddhas and bodhisattvas.