Buddhism in Japan

        Buddhism started in Japan around 6th century A.D. when Zen and Pure Land Buddhism came over from China. The largest group in Japan currently is the Pure Land Buddhism. This type of Buddhism follows a certain Buddha called Amida Buddha, also the one that is considered as godly and of infinite good. It focuses mainly on humility, devotion, and charitable work rather than personal enlightenment. The monks are allowed to marry and their social status is considered very important. Focus on the Amida Buddha is very important and the repetition of the name Amida Buddha, Namu Amida Butsu in Japanese, aids greatly in meditation. It is a very practical form of Buddhism and the book titled, "The Teaching of the Buddha" is found in many hotels in Japan. It mainly imposes the thought that achieving enlightenment cannot be achieved alone, and can only be gotten through the help of the Buddha.

        The second most practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan is Zen Buddhism. This branch comes mainly from one of the Buddha's teachings where he said nothing, but simply held up a flower, and only one of his apprentices understood what it meant. Zen Buddhism mainly teaches that everyone has the Buddhist's teachings in them, they just need to be unlocked. While believing in Zen, one is supposed to be aware of emptiness in everything and its connections with life. Again, in Zen Buddhism, meditation is not a key goal, it is only to observe the Buddhist's teachings in everyday life, mainly the arts, such as poetry, painting, calligraphy, and garden design. Though, the Buddha image is the main focus of Pure Land Buddhism, Zen is only to have calligraphy, a flower arrangement, or a stone garden for meditation.