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Lecture Date Topic

1 Sep 6 The beginnings of Japanese Buddhism

2 Sep 13 The early acceptance and development
3 Sep 20 Nara Buddhism
4 Sep 27 Heian Buddhism
- Oct 4 No Class (Public Holiday)
5 Reading Week Oct 11 Kamakura Buddhism
6 Oct 18 Buddhism during the age of the samurai (Muromachi period)
7 Oct 25 Buddhism during the age of the samurai (Azuchi-Momoyama period)
8 Nov 1 Buddhism during the age of the samurai (Edo period)
9 Nov 8 Zen, Shingon, and Pure Land teachings
10 Nov 15 Subjugation of Buddhism and New Movements
11 Nov 22 Buddhism in modern era: Buddhist missionary work within and
outside of Japan
12 Nov 29 Buddhist impact on contemporary Japan

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§ (1) Short Essay (800 words) – 25 %
§ Suggested topics / any approved topic (Due Oct 19, 2022).

§ (2) Final Essay (2000 words) – 60 %

§ Suggested topics / any approved topic (Due Dec 20, 2022).

§ (3) Attendance / Participation – 15 %

§ Via Attendance@HKU Apps

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Ÿ Outline the introduction of Buddhism in Ÿ Describe the influence of Buddhism in
Japan. Japanese arts.
Ÿ Identify the role of Prince Shotoku in the Ÿ Analyze Buddhist’s influence on Japanese
development of Buddhism in Japan. cuisine/ tea-drinking culture.
Ÿ Evaluate the Chinese impact on the Ÿ Evaluate the importance of sitting
propagation Buddhism in Japan. meditation in Zen Buddhism.
Ÿ Outline the main teachings of the Six Ÿ Explore the esoteric practice of Shingon
Schools in Nara Buddhism. Buddhism.
Ÿ Compare and contrast Buddhism and Ÿ Demonstrate the role of nenbutsu
Shintoism. (chanting the Buddha’s name) in Pure
Land practice.
Ÿ Compare Tendai and Shingon schools
during the Heian period. Ÿ Discuss the impact of Meiji restoration on
Buddhism.
Ÿ Discuss the concept of Japanese aesthetics
of wabi-sabi in relationship to Buddhism. Ÿ Discuss the revival of Buddhism in
modern Japan.
Ÿ Discuss the impact of Kamakura period on
modern Japanese Buddhism. Ÿ Examine the aesthetical value of Zen
Buddhism in product / industrial design.
Ÿ Discuss the shinbutsu-shugo (syncretism
of kami and buddhas) of Buddhism and Ÿ Evaluate the impact of Japanese Buddhism
Shinto. across the globe.

Please note that apart from the listed topics, students are free to modify or choose any other topic
related to the course. If you have any doubt, please feel free to contact the course instructor.

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§ On Moodle.
§ ReadingList@HKUL

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6
• Prehistoric and ancient periods
• Paleolithic period (石器時代 c. -14000 BCE)
• Jōmon period (縄文時代 c. 14000 BCE – 900 BCE)
• Yayoi period (弥生時代 c 900 BCE- 250 CE) (Gautama Buddha ~500 BCE)
• Kofun period (古墳時代 c. 250–538) Introduction
• Classical periods
• Asuka period (飛鳥時代, 538–710)
• Nara period (奈良時代, 710–794) Propagation
• Heian period (平安時代, 794–1185)

• Feudal periods
• Kamakura period (鎌倉時代, 1185–1333)
• Muromachi period (室町時代, 1333–1568)
• Azuchi–Momoyama period (安土桃山時代, 1568–1600)
Domination
• Early modern periods
• Edo period (江戸時代, 1600–1868)

• Modern periods
• Meiji period (明治時代, 1868–1912) Rejection
• Taishō period (大正時代, 1912–1926)
• Shōwa period (昭和時代, 1926–1989)
• Heisei period (平成時代, 1989–2019) Revival
• Reiwa period (令和時代, 2019–present)

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§ The Kojiki (古事記)
§ “Records of Ancient Matters”.
§ “Oldest” chronicle of myths, legends,
semi-historical accounts of Japan.
§ Up to 641 CE.

§ The Nihon Shoki (⽇本書紀).

§ “The Chronicles of Japan”.
§ “Second-oldest” book of Japanese
history.
§ Up to 720 CE.

§ Commissioned by Emperor Tenmu (

天武天皇 40th emp. 631- 686).
§ Completed in the mid-700s.

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§ Kofun 古墳 period (300 – 538 CE).
§ “ancient grave” tombs.
§ Keyhole-shaped mounds (zenpō-kōen
fun, 前方後円墳), which are unique to
ancient Japan.
§ E.g. Daisenryo Kofun (大仙陵古墳), Sakai
Osaka.
§ Developed from a farming society to a
well-structured social system.
§ Ruled by the Yamato Court (Yamato
period).
§ Powerful clans.
§ Ōtomo, Mononobe, Nakatomi, Inbe,
Soga clans...
§ Buddhism reached Japan during the
later stage of the Kofun period.
§ Introducing Chinese writing system,
Confucian thoughts.
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§ Tombs during the Kofun
period were indicators of
social status and power.
§ As time passes, the size of
tombs decreases.
§ Buddhist temples were built as
an indicator of power and
status.
§ All over Japan.
§ 160,000+ Kofun tomb sites.
§ Huge: Daisenryo Kofun,
Osaka.
§ Tiny: Tsunozuka Kofun (角塚古
墳) , Isawa, Iwate.
§ The northernmost Kofun.

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§ Last lecture:
§ The Kofun period was led by the Yamato
court, descendant from Emperor
Jimmu.
§ Confederation of many clans...
§ Autonomous regions.

§ Aristocratic kin group (氏, uji)

§ Conservatives
§ Mononobe clan (物部氏, Mononobe uji)
§ Handled weapons for the Yamato court
(military).
§ Nakatomi clan (中臣氏, Nakatomi uji)
§ Handled rituals for kami worship (priest).
§ Ancestors of the Fujiwara clan (藤原氏,
Fujiwara uji)

§ Liberals
§ Soga clan (蘇我氏, Soga uji) (raising in
power, handling finances, progressing).

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§ Buddhism entered Japan during the
later stage of the Kofun period (~400
to 538 CE) and spread rapidly.
§ Nihon Shoki 552 CE?

§ From Paekche (Baekje 百済),

§ The Three Kingdoms Period in Korea.
§ Political alliance with Japan, to
counteract Silla and Goguryeo.
§ The Paekche king sent Buddhist
scriptures and a bronze Buddha
statue the Imperial court.
§ Introduce Buddhism to Japan.
§ Chinese culture (writing system).

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Kudara Kannon (百済観音) Hōryū-ji (法隆寺)
§ Asuka period (⾶⿃時代, Asuka jidai) 538 to
710 (or to 645).
§ Named after the Asuka region near
nowadays Nara.
§ According to art historian Okakura Kakuzō.
§ Hakuhō period (白鳳時代 646-710)
§ According to art historian Sekino Tadasu.
§ For the arts and architectural features.
§ Unique: due to Chinese/ Buddhist influences.

§ The introduction of Buddhism marked a

change in Japanese society.
§ significant artistic, social, and political
transformations.
§ Name changed from Wa (倭) to Nihon (⽇本).
§ By the end of the Asuka period, Buddhism
has taken hold and formed a part of
Japanese culture.
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§ Conflict: Indigenous vs Foreign culture.
§ Shinto vs Buddhism.
§ Religious dispute.
§ Anti-Buddhist VS Pro-Buddhist

§ Indigenous vs Chinese governing system.

§ Political issue.
§ To change or keep current system.

§ Power struggle among clans.

§ Mononobe Vs Soga.

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§ Mononobe no Okoshi (物部尾輿)
§ The chief of the Mononobe clan.
§ In charge of religious rituals and military affairs.
§ Conservative.
Nigihayahi no Mikoto
§ Saw no benefit from change.
§ Kami lineage – legitimized.
§ Nigihayahi no Mikoto (饒速日命)
§ Allied with Nakatomi clan.
§ Ama no Koyane no Mikoto (天児屋命)
§ Considered the Buddha as a foreign kami.
§ Foreign kami were called banshin (蕃神, "barbarian
gods") or
§ busshin (仏神, "Buddhist gods").

§ “The kami of our land will be offended if we

Mononobe no Okoshi
worship a foreign kami.”
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§ Soga no Iname (蘇我 稲⽬, 506? – 570)
§ Leader of the Soga clan.

§ Soga clan found Buddhism and the Chinese

ruling system appealing.
§ Advantages of foreign skills and technology.
§ Wish to adapt Buddhism in the court.
§ The Soga has no kami lineage.
§ Back then, the kabana (姓) system was used.
§ Promotion was based on heredity, and not
ability.

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§ Emperor Kinmei (欽明 531-571, 29th
emp.)
§ Whether to accept Buddhism or
not?
§ Did not want to offend any party.
§ Stabilized the situation.
§ Wished to adapt Chinese system.

§ The Emperor allowed the Soga Clan

to worship and kept the Paekche
Buddha statue at the Soga’s own
temple/sanctum.
§ Mononobe: “This will offend the
kami...and you will see...”

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 Mononobe:
See, the kami are
really angry, due to
the foreign gods!

§ Soga clan's sanctum (temple) was burned, and the

Buddhist statue destroyed.
§ The Buddha statue was thrown into the Naniwa river.
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§ Buddhism vs Shinto.

§ Not only religious, but also political.

§ Power struggle.
§ Political and military dispute.

§ Carried on to the next generation (sons):

§ Mononobe no Moriya 物部 守屋.
§ Soga no Umako 蘇我 ⾺⼦.

§ Soga has gained in power.

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 Let’s have
a fight!

VS

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§ Ended in 587, Battle at Mount Shigi (信貴⼭,
Shigisan) near Nara.
§ Soga no Umako and Prince Shōtoku (w/
Soga bloodline)
VS
§ VS
§ Mononobe no Moriya
§ At first the Soga clan was defeated and
retreated.
§ Turning point:
§ Prince Shōtoku carved pieces of nuride
(wood, ⽩膠⽊), into the images of the Four
Heavenly Kings (Shitennō 四天王) of
Buddhism and placed them on his forehead.
§ Shōtoku and Umako then vowed to build a
temple to honour the Four Heavenly Kings if
they win the battle. 21
§ The Mononobe forces were defeated.
§ A Soga archer shot an arrow which killed the leader Mononobe no
Moriya.
§ The main line of the Mononobe family together with its
retainers were killed in the battle.
§ The survivors were dispersed, and some adopted a different name.
§ Note: the Nakatomi clan was not eliminated.
§ They will come back…
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§ After the Mt. Shigi battle:
§ Prince Shōtoku:
§ Shitennō-ji (四天王寺)
§ in Ōsaka Tennō-ji (天王寺)
§ Shigisan Chōgosonshi-ji (信貴⼭朝護
孫⼦寺)
§ in Shigisan

§ Soga no Umako
§ Asuka-dera (⾶⿃寺), also known as
Hōkō-ji (法興寺).
§ Moved to Nara in 718.

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§ Shitennō Temple (四天王寺)
§ Buddhist statues of the Northern
and Southern dynasties (南北朝 420
– 589) style.
§ One of the most popular temple
nowadays.
§ Prince Shōtoku is a reincarnation of
the Kuse Kanon (救世観音菩薩).
§ West Gate Torii

§ One of the the oldest stone tori.

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§ Shitennō (四天王), a Japanese term
normally referring to the Buddhist Four
Heavenly Kings.
§ Indian origin.
§ A category of beings known as gods (deva).

§ Popular in China.
§ Japan's most famous legendary and
historical figures.
§ North:多聞天/毘沙⾨天 Tamon-ten/
Bishamon-ten
§ East: 持国天 Jikoku-ten
§ South: 増⻑天 Zōchō-ten
§ West: 広⽬天 Kōmoku-ten
§ Protectors of Buddhas and temples.
Shitennō in Jikō-ji (持光寺) in Hiroshima
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§ Prince Shōtoku (聖徳太⼦, Shōtoku
Taishi, 574 –622).
§ Prince Shōtoku’s policy has
tremendous impact on Japanese
culture.
§ Son of Emperor Yōmei (⽤明天皇,
Yōmei-tennō, 540- 587 31st emp)
§ Semi-legendary
§ Regent of Empress Suiko (推古天皇,
Suiko-tennō) (554 –628 33rd emp)
§ His aunt.

§ With Soga clan bloodline.

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§ Shōtoku’s supported the establishment of
Buddhism in Japan.
§ Alongside with Shinto.
§ Established a centralized government and
harmonized warring political factions.
§ Admired and adopted elements from the
culture of continental Asia.
§ Acted as the ruler of Japan until his death
in 622.
§ Respected in the Japanese culture.

§ The protector of Japan, the Imperial

Family, and Buddhism.
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§ Establishing a centralized government
during Prince Shōtoku’s reign.
§ Formal differentiation of governmental
roles.
§ The Twelve Level Cap and Rank System
(冠位⼗⼆階, Kan'i Jūnikai)
§ Similar systems that were already in Sui
dynasty China, Paekche and Koguryŏ.
§ Ranking promotion based on merit and
individual achievement.
§ Replacing the kabana (姓) system
§ Officer's rank was determined by heredity
before.
§ Now by ability.
§ Favours the Soga.

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§ Seventeen-Article Constitution (十七条憲法, jūshichijō
kenpō). in Nihon Shoki
§ A collection of written maxims known as the first written law of
Japan
§ Technically not modern days “constitution” but a set of rules.
§ Governed according to Buddhist and Confucian values that
focused on the morals and virtues:
Harmony is to be valued and an avoidance of malicious
opposition is to be honoured.
Sincerely reverence the three treasures-Buddha, the Law, and
the Priesthood.
Thoroughly obey imperial commands.

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§ Before the Asuka period,
Japan has no official
writing system.
§ Japanese adopted the
Chinese writing system.
§ Officials and elite learned
to write in Chinese and
read texts.
§ The Chinese writing
system formed the basis
for the later development
of the Kana.
§ The Kojiki and the Nihon
Shoki were written in
Chinese.

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§ Under Shōtoku’s sponsorship, sculptors, temple builders,
artists, Confucian scholars and other artisans were invited
from Korea.
§ Buddhist and Confucian teachings spread simultaneously,
and Japan experienced a flourishing period of culture.
§ “Developed country”.

§ In 607, Shōtoku sent a mission to the Sui (隋朝) court in

China.
§ An accompanying letter to the Emperor Yang of Sui of China.
§ Contains the first use of the name "Nihon," the modern name for
Japan.

§ "The Emperor of the land where Sun rises (nihon ⽇本/ hi

izuru tokoro) sends a letter to the Emperor of the land where
Sun sets. How are you doing?"
§ When Emperor Yang of Sui received this letter, he was enraged
because Shōtoku had addressed him as an equal.
§ Japan was known in China as Wa (倭) or Wakoku (倭國).

§ Wa is insulting!
§ “Submissive people" or the "Country of Dwarfs".
§ Changed to the “Land of the Raising Sun”.

§ Nisshōki (⽇章旗, the "flag of sun"), / Hinomaru (⽇の丸, the

"circle of the sun").

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§ Soga clan dominated the court.
§ Soga no Umako →Emishi → Iruka.
§ Soga no Iruka (蘇我⼊⿅).
§ Involved in conspiracy, manipulation, and murder.
§ Wasting money on building huge tombs.
§ The Taika Reforms 645-650 (大化の改新, Taika
no Kaishin)
§ Ended Soga's dictatorship.
§ Bring about greater centralization and to enhance
the power of the imperial court.
§ The ruler was no longer a clan leader, but the
Emperor will exercise absolute authority.
§ Empress Saimei (斉明天皇, 37th emp)
§ = Empress Kōgyoku (皇極天皇, 35th emp)

§ The reforms also artistically marked the end of

the Asuka period and the beginning of the
Hakuhō period.

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§ The Isshi Incident (⼄⺒の変, Isshi no Hen, 645)
§ Transformative event in Japanese Imperial history.
§ Empress Saimei.

§ Nakatomi no Kamatari(中⾂鎌⾜) and Prince Naka no

Ōe (中⼤兄皇⼦).
§ Conspired to eliminate the Soga clan.
§ Assassinated of Soga no Iruka at a court ceremony.
§ Soga no Emishi (Iruka’s father) committed suicide.
§ Setting his house on fire with national treasures.
§ Soga no Umako →Emishi → Iruka.

§ Prince Naka no Ōe became Emperor Tenji (天智天皇

38th emp.)
§ Imperial family gained back in power.
§ Nakatomi no Kamatari became Fujiwara no Kamatari (
藤原鎌⾜)
§ The Fujiwara clan in power for the next 300 years.

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§ Hakuhō period (白鳳時代, Hakuhō jidai, “white phoenix period”
645-710).
§ A part of the Asuka period.
§ Overlapping.
§ Mainly used in academic discussions of architecture,
sculpture, and painting.
§ The culture of the Imperial and aristocrats.
§ First cultural boom.

§ A term introduced in the early 1900s.

§ Fujiwara-kyō (藤原京) was the Imperial capital of Japan for
sixteen years, between 694 and 710.
§ Emperor Tenji 38th → Emperor Kōbun (弘文天皇 39th emp)
§ Emperor Tenmu 40th → Empress Jitō (持統天皇 41st emp)
§ Modeled on Tang.
§ Chinese influence.

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§ Decrease in size and number of
tombs.
§ Substantial increase in number of
Buddhist temples.
§ Purpose:
§ Protection of the nation.
§ Peace and prosperity.
§ Veneration of ancestors.
§ Symbol of clan’s prosperity and
power.
§ replacing the tombs.
§ cremation also led to less tombs.
§ Magical power.

§ Notable ones: Yakushi-ji (薬師寺) &

Hōryū-ji (法隆寺)

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§ Soga clan got eliminated.
§ Fujiwara = Nakatomi = ritual clan
§ Previously opposed Buddhism as a foreign
import and to uphold Shinto as the native
religion.
§ But at that period Buddhism has already
established.
§ Policy:
§ Shinto has the official status (Imperial
court).
§ Buddhism was also supported but with
restrictions.
§ Serve the interest of the state.
§ Compatible with Japanese thought.
§ Practices that did not fit were restricted,
ignored, or abandoned.
§ Shaped Japanese Buddhism in its unique
form. 36
§ Buddhism during the Asuka period functioned as a
mundane instrument (genze riyaku 現世利益) of the
ruling classes.
§ Utilized as a superior form of “magic” to uphold the
prosperity of the Imperial family and aristocracy.
§ Buddhist philosophy / doctrinal study were more
prominent at the later period.
§ Buddhist worship / ritual uses sophisticated,
extravagant ritual objects.
§ Imported objects and hired craftsmen from Korea and
China. (Northern Wei style)
§ Later their descendants became notable craftsmen.
§ E.g. Tori Busshi (止利仏師).
§ Shaka statue at Asuka dera.
§ Shaka Triad & Medicine Buddha in Hōryūji. (Hakuhō culture)

§ These statues and ritual objects:

§ Perceived to be mysterious.
§ Believed to have magical power.
§ A lot more powerful than Shinto ritual objects.
§ Gaining of merit.
§ Health, wealth, prosperity, rebirth to paradise... 37
§ The cult of Yakushi Nyorai (薬師如来 Bhaisajyaguru).
§ The Medicine Buddha.

§ A dominant force in Japanese Buddhism.

§ As early as in the sixth century.

§ especially prevalent from 7-13th century.

§ As one of the first devotions embraced by Emperor

Tenmu (40th emp).
§ Enjoyed immense popularity in the late 7th century
and typifies the interest in healing rites.
§ Fovoured by the ruling class.
§ For life-threatening illnesses.
§ Replacing the Nakatomi and Inbe clans (ritual healers)

§ Later become the central deity in eighth-century

rites to ensure the welfare of the entire nation.
§ By the early ninth century, the deity was also called
upon to pacify vengeful spirits.
§ Impacted on Japanese culture.

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§ Japanese Buddhism is Mahayana Buddhism.
§ Concept of accepting multiple Buddhas and
bodhisattvas residing in different worlds and
Buddha-fields.
§ One historical Buddha in early Buddhism.

§ The concept of the three bodies (trikāya):

§ 3 “levels” of Buddhas

§ The Nirmāṇakāya: physical/manifest body.

Gautama Buddha (historical Buddha).
§ The Sambhogakāya is the
reward/enjoyment body, celestial Buddhas in
Buddha-fields. Buddha Amitābha, Medicine
Buddha. (Usually based on a sutra).
§ The Dharmakāya, Buddha nature, the Truth
body. Mahavairocana Buddha.
§ The Medicine Buddha is based on:
§ The Bhaiṣajyaguru Sūtra (薬師経 Yakushi kyō,
薬師瑠璃光如来本願功徳経 Bhaiṣajyaguru-
vaiḍūrya-prabhā-rāja Sūtra).

39
§ According to Buddhist medical theory,
hard-to-treat illness is caused by past
misdeeds, karmic illnesses (業病 gōbyō).
§ Due to this or previous lives.
§ Alleviated by offering to the images of
Yakushi / other healing deities.
§ Sponsoring remedial rituals.
§ Constructing temples specifically dedicated
to him.
§ The donor can then dedicate or ‘‘transfer’’
this positive karmic merit to either to
personal and communal health.

40
§ The notion of the healing power of the
Medicine Buddha is rooted in Japanese
culture.
§ Major healing deity protecting the country.
§ Not only restricted to the elites, but
publicly prominent.
§ Many rituals were developed based on the
Medicine Buddha and the related healing
concept.
§ Ichibata Temple 一畑寺 - Shimane
Prefecture (島根県).
§ 84,000 statues of Medicine Buddha.
§ Healing eye disease.

41
§ It is not uncommon for worshippers
to rub the statues of Yakushi Nyorai.
§ Healing is not restricted to the
Medicine Buddha.
§ Binzuru (賓頭盧) for healing.
§ The faithful usually rub the
corresponding area on the statue
and then rub their own afflicted area
to grant healing.
§ Tōdai-ji (東大寺)
§ The same “rubbing tradition” exists
for other deities in Japan (even for
cartoon figures).
§ e.g Billiken in Tsūtenkaku (通天閣,
Osaka).

42
§ Takoyakushi-do Eifuku-ji Temple (蛸薬師堂永福寺),
Kyoto.
§ Wooden carved octopus “Nade Yakushi”.
§ Rubbing "Nade Yakushi" with your left hand heals all
kinds of diseases.
§ Legend:
§ The mother of a monk named Zenko, felt ill and
wished to have an octopus for dinner.
§ People were curious, and they wished to embarrass
Zenko with the octopus he just bought.
§ Zenko prayed to the Medicine Buddha for help.
§ The octopus transformed into eight-volume of
scriptures!
§ Zenko escaped from the trouble and his mother's
illness was cured by the light emitted by the octopus.
§ “Takoyakushi” (蛸薬師) is worshiped since then.

43
§ Emperor Tenmu (天武天皇, c. 631 –686) 40th
§ Tenji (38th) → Kōbun (39th)
§ Tenmu (40th)→ Empress Jitō (41st)

§ Centralize the power by following the Sui dynasty.

§ The first “monarch” of Japan, to whom the title
Tennō (Emperor of Japan 天皇) was assigned
contemporaneously—not only by later
generations.
§ Commissioned the compilation of Kojiki and Nihon
Shoki
§ Debate: legitimize the imperial lineage to kami.

§ In 675 Emperor Tenmu banned the consumption

of domesticated animal meat (horse, cattle, dogs,
monkeys, birds), from April 1 to September 30
each year, due to the influence of Buddhism.
§ Wild game meat was exempted.

44
§ Emperor Tenmu’s queen was sick.
§ Legend says he vowed to build a
temple dedicated to the Medicine
Buddha for the queen’s health.
§ Queen sickness gone.
§ Queen became Empress Jitō (41st)
§ Daughter of Tenji.
§ Tenmu was her uncle.

§ Tenji (38th) → Kōbun (39th)

§ Tenmu (40th)→ Empress Jitō (41st)

45
Jomei Empress Kōgyoku
(Saimei)

Tenji

Tenmu
Kōbun

46
Jitō
§ Buddhist altar (butsudan 仏壇).
§ Legend: Emperor Tenmu invented and
ordered every “house” to have a Buddhist
altar.
§ “Every house a Buddhist shrine should be
provided, and an image of Buddha with
Buddhist scriptures placed there. Worship
was to be paid and offerings of food made
at these shrines.” March 27 685
§ (諸国の家毎に仏舎を作り、乃ち仏像及び経を置
きて以て礼拝供養せよ)
§ House? Officer’s house?
§ Day of Butsudan 27th of every month.

47
§ The tradition carries onto nowadays in
many Japanese home.
§ Less found in younger generations.
§ Can be very expensive.
§ Appreciate as an art-piece.
§ Offering the Buddha/ bodhisattvas.
§ Venerating ancestors/deceased.
§ Components:
§ 1 Image of Buddha.
§ 2+3 Image of Bodhisattvas.
§ 4. Water & Rice.
§ 5. Memorial Tablets (ancestors)
§ 6. Fruit/Food.
§ 7. Register of Family Memorials
§ 8. Flower.
§ 9. Candle.
§ 10. Incense Burner.

48
§ Keka (悔過) (Rite of Repentance):
§ Buddhism meaning repentance of one's sins
§ refers to the chanting of prayers to various Buddhist
deities to express repentance.
§ In early Japan this became a form of deity
worship where the devotional rites of repentance
were utilized, as means to gain material benefit.
§ Yakushi Keka was held in honour of Yakushi to
heal the sick, overcome calamities, purify the
nation and grant longevity.
§ A very early example of the Yakushi Keka
ceremony took place in the year 747, when
prayers were said for the Emperor Shōmu’s (聖武
45th) recovery from illness.
§ The ceremony itself consists of reciting
repeatedly the name of Yakushi Nyorai, and is
said to have a magical quality because it is
always carried out at night.
§ It was very popular in the 8th and 9th centuries,
as it was believed to silence the unquiet spirits of
those who had fallen in political turmoil.
49
§ Emperor Tenmu sent an order to the
people for life-release.
§ Houjō-e (放生会) (Gathering to liberate
captive creatures).
§ Releasing of captive animals.
§ Extended to granting amnesties for
prisoners on such occasions as thanks-
giving for an Emperor recovery and
during periods of drought, flood and
various other calamities in the older
days.
§ Official ceremonies would also be held to
release captured animals.
§ Major event in many cities of Japan.

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§ Since the Asuka period (6th century) the Japanese tried to
reconcile Buddhism with Shinto beliefs, assuming both were true.
§ Religious syncretisation made kami worship and Buddhism
functionally inseparable.
§ Shinbutsu-shūgō (神仏習合, “syncretism of kami and Buddhas”),

§ 3 stages/ levels of syncretism.

§ 1. Kami are worldly beings and wish to be enlightened via Buddhism.
§ 2. Kami are protectors of the Buddhist deities.
§ 3. Kami are emanations of the Buddhist deities.

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§ Early-mid 7th century.
§ Kami are subject to karma and suffering.
§ A local kami would appear in a dream to the monk,
telling him about his suffering.
§ To improve the kami's karma through rites and the
reading of sutras, the monk would build a temple
next to the kami's shrine to ease his suffering.
§ Example in Usa Hachimangu-ji (宇佐八幡宮寺, Usa
Hachiman Shrine Temple) Usa, Kyūshū.
§ Kami Hachiman (八幡神) a god of war.
§ Worshiped together with Miroku Bosatsu (弥勒菩薩
Maitreya).
§ Many Buddhist temples were built next to existing
Shinto shrines in mixed complexes called jingū-ji (神
宮寺 “Shrine-temple”).
§ The local religion and foreign Buddhism never quite
fused, but remained inextricably linked to the
present day through interaction.

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§ Six realms (六道 rokudou)
§ Lotus Sutra 法華経
§ Gods (ten 天)
§ Human (jin ⼈)
§ Demi-god (asura 阿修羅)
§ Animal (chikushou 畜⽣)
§ Hungry ghost (gaki 餓⻤)
§ Hell (jigoku 地獄)

§ Subjected to suffering and rebirth.

(samsara)
§ End suffering and samsara by
Buddhist teaching.
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§ Indian Buddhist notion.
§ Heavenly realm (ten 天).
§ Beings with godlike characteristics.
§ Powerful,
§ Longer-lived,
§ Most pleasure-filled among the six
realms,
§ Enjoy in the heavenly realm all
pleasures found on earth.
§ But subjected to suffering and
death.
§ Need Buddhist teaching to end
suffering.
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§ By the end of the 7th century.
§ They were considered to be protector
deities of Buddhism.
§ Example Hachiman (again).

§ Portrayed as a dharma protector.

§ Legend says he aided the construction

of the Great Buddha statue in Nara
during the Nara Period (710-784).
§ Later he became a bodhisattva.

§ Great Bodhisattva Hachiman (⼋幡⼤菩

薩, Hachiman Daibosatsu)
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§ 9th century onwards.
§ Kami are interpreted as manifestation of
buddhas and bodhisattvas.
§ Honji suijaku (本地垂迹).
§ Indian Buddhist deities appear as native
kami to more easily convert and save the
Japanese.
§ Amaterasu is a manifestation of Dainichi
Nyorai
§ Same buildings were often used as both
Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples
§ Syncretism, until 1868 Meiji restoration,
shinbutsu bunri (神仏分離) .
§ Forcible separation of kami and Buddhas.

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§ Nara period (奈良時代, Nara jidai,
710 to 794).
§ Nara as capital.
§ Cultural, arts and political
development.
§ Nara Buddhism, also known as the
Rokushū 六宗.
§ Academic Buddhist sects.
§ Buddhism shifted from mundane
practices to philosophical studies.

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