Zen buddhism in tradition, culture and society of Japan

Abstract

Buddhism is Japan’s second largest religion, right behind Shinto. It includes multiple traditions and movements, but in Japan, it was domesticated as Zen Buddhism. Buddhism also exists in China, and it is called Chen there. Zen Buddhism has had an impact on Japanese tradition, culture and society as a whole. For example, through Buddhism, samurais despised the fear of death and developed courage, mercy, courtesy, truthfulness and honesty, honour, loyalty and self-control. Then, Zen Buddhism has had a major influence on sports, and this is reflected in martial arts (sports and skills). It is also visible in the rituals associated with the tea ceremony, or in poetry. The very nature of Zen is such that it reyects everything that is secondary, superfluous, imposed, and verbal. The Zen mind is a beginner’s mind, which means a mind that is ready to receive new knowledge, to acquire new skills. The Zen containing typically Japanese features summarizes elements of Buddhism from China and India, as well as Japanese ethical and cultural characteristics. The aim of this paper is to show that in addition to the European cultural influence in the world, there is another strong cultural influence that is manifested through religion, philosophy, art and science of the Far East. The subject of this paper is the main characteristics of Zen Buddhism, Zen schools and teachers, as well as the place of Zen Buddhism in the tradition and culture of Japan.