What Is Buddhism?
Over 2,500 years ago, Shakayamuni Buddha realised the origin of the sufferings of this world and revealed the path to go beyond them.
Shakayamuni Buddha taught that we should not turn our eyes away from various doubts and sufferings in our daily life. Instead, we should look correctly and transform them to wisdom to live at this present moment and gain enlightenment. This is called Buddhism.
Prince Siddartha (Buddha) was born in Nepal in the city of Lumbini and became enlightened under a Bodhi tree which was located in Bodh Gaya, India.
Buddhism In Japan
Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century from the teachings of Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha before making its way to Japan via China and Korea. It came to Japan in the form of a present from the Korean kingdom in the 6th century, and has spread all across Japan since.
There are around 75,000 temples in Japan. Most Japanese Buddist temples are places where Buddhist monks practice and live. In addition, Buddhist statues and various images of worship are enshrined at these temples. Some of the more popular sightseeing temples require admission fees as a donation for the temple.
It is common practice for worshipers and visitors to place their palms together and bow in front of Buddhist statues, this practice is called Gassho. Unlike when visiting the Japanese shrines you don’t clap your hands, instead after bowing at the face of the Buddhist statues, separate your palms quietly.
It is also common to see people with Buddhist beads in Japan, these are called Juzu. They are implements used by worshipers for respecting Buddha in Japan and are worn around the hands.
Burning Incense
The burning of incense is used to purify the body and mind. There are two types of incense used at shrines and temples, these are incense sticks and powder. To use the powder simple pinch some from a container and sprinkle it into the incense burner. If there are sticks then light one and place it vertically or lay it horizontally in the incense burner according to the temple’s custom. The practice of burning incense is called Shoko.
You will also see many donation boxes in front of temples and shrines. These are for monetary offerings to the Buddha and the temple to symbolize the letting go of our desires. This is called Saisen.
Temple lodgings are known as Shukubo, these are accommodations that Buddhist temples provide to visiting pilgrims and tourists. Not all Buddhist temples in Japan have this facility, but some have it within the temple grounds and offer it to anyone. Koyasan is a popular example of a temple stay here in Japan.
Lodgers will usually be invited to join Buddhist activities such as cleaning of the temple, meditation, morning chanting etc. This is a good way to experience the life of Buddhist monks.
Respect At Temples
You must remove footwear before entering the Buddha hall. It is not permitted to eat or drink inside temples, and generally photography is not allowed. It is also respectful to wear appropriate clothing and to remove hats and sunglasses when entering.
The Way To Visit Japanese Shrines and Temples
It is said that torri gates mark boundary between the human world and holy ground. It is practice that before entering the gates you should bow once and stay on the side of the approach to the temple, as it is believed the centre approach is for the Kami (Japanese God).
Before you enter the shrines and temples there is a small basin called a Suiban. It is practice to purify the hands and mouth using a large wooden ladel and taking water from the basin. The right way to do this is to take the ladel washing the left hand first then the right, before swapping the ladel back to your right hand and taking water to your mouth from the palm of your left hand. After rinsing your mouth pour water on the left hand again before returning the ladel to its original position.
To worship you must first bow to the Kami (Japanese God). If there is a bell ring it then throw a monetary offering, by tossing it into the box. After that you bow, clap your hands twice and bow again. You should take a final bow towards the main hall, before leaving the grounds but after going out of the Torii gate.
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