Intersection of religions.

Japan religions.

In modern Japan, mainly distributed two major religions: Shintoism and Buddhism.

Shintoism.

Shinto - is an ancient Japanese religion. Its name comes from the word "Shinto" - "Way of the Gods." It is based on the worship of all kinds of kami - supernatural beings. The main types of kami - are:

· Nature spirits (kami of the mountains, rivers, wind, rain, etc.);

· His outstanding personality, announced kami;

· Powers and abilities embodied in human beings and nature (for example, kami of growth or reproduction);

· The spirits of the dead.

In Japan, the kami worship countless. In every village there is a local patron kami. No particular distinction between kami and ordinary people do not exist - there are many myths and legends about the marriage of people and kami. Death is conceptualized as a transition into the world of kami. A child is considered the embodiment of kami-ancestor (udzigami), so in Japan, with great respect for young children.

Kami share on Fukui-no-kami ("good spirits") and Magatsu-kami ("evil spirits"). Shintoists problem - encourage more good spirits and make peace with evil. In principle, the good spirits may become angry, if they seek improperly. Therefore, throughout Japan in a variety of churches and chapels and parish priests kami bring sacrifices and pray for help and support. Actually, everything that happens in the world due to Shinto kami of individual will, not by any laws or Fate.

With the development of the imperial system arose an idea of ​​the sovereign kami - the goddess Amaterasu. Accordingly, there was the cult of the emperor himself. Myths and legends about Amaterasu and her family for many years (until mid-XX century) is officially considered to be the beginning of Japanese history.

Since coming to Japan, Buddhism begins the process of interaction and interpenetration of these religions. In many churches there is a simultaneous worship of kami and buddhas.

Buddhism.

Unlike Shinto, Japanese Buddhism is divided into many teachings and schools. The basis of Japanese Buddhism is the teachings of Mahayana ("Great Vehicle") or Northern Buddhism, Hinayana teachings opposed ("Little Chariot") or Southern Buddhism. In Mahayana it is believed that salvation could be achieved not only by his own efforts, but also by the already attained enlightenment beings - buddhas and bodhisattvas. Section between Buddhist schools is due to different views on what exactly Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can best help the person.

Thus, based amidaizma or school Jodo ("Pure Land") is the worship of the Buddha Amida (Amitabha or), the ruler of the heavenly land (actually, the "Pure Land") in the West. The main element of worship is the constant recitation of the phrase "Namu Amida butsu" ("Glory of Buddha Amida"). Many of the rulers of Japan were trying to destroy the school, but it still remains one of the most popular destinations in Japan Buddhism.

Another Buddhist school is Mickyo or esoteric Buddhism. Its message is much more difficult to understand, but its followers are the owners of the incredible abilities - to fly, to perform miracles, to fight the demons. Her priests often live as a hermit in the mountains. Then they called yamabushi. Yamabushi also known as the creators of some Japanese martial arts. They can be found in large, clear (nendzyu) in the form of a necklace on her neck and stick with rings (syakudze).

Apart is the Zen doctrine, based on the Hinayana. It is based on the idea of ​​salvation only by themselves (and only for monks). The main method of achieving enlightenment is the realization of the universe, is achieved through reflection on the parables - a koan, or a random instant enlightenment, caused by some unexpected event (such as a blow to the back with a stick).

Intersection of religions.

In contrast to the cultures of the West, Japanese culture there is a considerable overlap and interaction of all its religions. Despite the occasionally broke out religious conflicts and disputes (usually by their relations with government), most of the time these faiths have to coexist. Especially near the intersection of Buddhism and Shinto - as already noted, often a church is a place of worship and Buddha and kami. During the life Japanese often send rituals of different religions in different situations. For example, they were married according to Christian rites, and buried by a Buddhist. This is quite natural and does not cause any difficulties. This is due precisely to the fact that religion is primarily associated with certain rites (of a different nature, aesthetics and value), and the Japanese just showing an enviable practicality. Aim all faiths as equally entitled - the removal of vital events and, therefore, there are no conflicts between religions.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-26