Buddhism In Japanese Culture Essay

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Buddhism is a religion that predates some of the worlds most recognized theologies by centuries. Its roots in Japan date back as far as 538 C.E., and it has played a large role in Japanese society and culture since its introduction in the 6th century. At the beginning of Buddhism’s arrival in Japan it provided the nation with ethical means of unification. So, not only was Buddhism a force of religious transformation in Japan, but it was also a contributor of cultural, social, and technological change in Japan. Due to its ability to consolidate the clans of Japan after a time of separation, it ushered in a indispensible era of change and unification in Japan.
Buddhism’s roots in Japan are said to date as far back as 538 C.E., but its introduction …show more content…
Conservative Shinto supporters at the court persuaded Emperor Kinmei to forget Buddhism and cling to the traditional Japanese religion in order to keep the national gods on their side, while the influential Soga clan favored the new religion and the enrichment they felt it would bring to Japan. With Buddhism’s initial introduction in Japan many were obviously wary of the new religion, and it did not really start to spread until Empress Suiko’s reign due to the fact she willingly encouraged its acceptance among the Japanese. In Volume One of Sources of Japanese Traditions it is stated that, “It is not difficult to understand the success of the new religion. At the time of its introduction to Japan, Buddhism was nearly a thousand years old and, as the first world religion had marched triumphantly to the east and west, raising temples and monasteries and filling grottoes and caves with an amazing profusion of art.” When Buddhism arrived in Japan it brought with it an abundance of cultural change, this scared those that were worried about its affect on the traditional Shinto ways of Japan, and it of course found success with those that relished in the changes it brought to the present literature, art, and the religious values of Japan itself. Prince Shotoku was one of Buddhism’s main supporters during its introduction under Empress Suiko. In 593 he was appointed as her regent, and while serving under
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