Buddhism

Buddhism migrated to Japan from India via China and Korea in the 6th century. Shinto was the prevailing Japanese religion at the time and clashed with Buddhism initially. This soon passes and the two religions grew together [see Syncretism].

Based on the writings and teachings of Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha, there are many different branches of Buddhism. Mahayana or "Greater Vehicle" Buddhism is the sect most popular in Japan. The adoption of Buddhist principles was not immediate, however. It took time because Buddhist theories are complex and were difficult for many ancient, uneducated Japanese to immediately grasp.

Today, Buddhism has profoundly saturated every level of Japanese culture. Arts, philosophy, academics, politics, and culture all grew up and developed around the basic tenets of Buddhism. For example, most Japanese funerals are conducted by Buddhist priests, and temple burial grounds are open to everyone, regardless of faith.