why did zen buddhism become popular with samurai warriors?why did zen buddhism become popular with samurai warriors?

Therefore, focusing on the nonattachment tenet of the Buddhist doctrine hits upon the heart of the Zen Buddhists quest for deliverance. In fact, there are Zen stories of the images and icons of the Buddha being burned or desecrated. Other Easterners who have taught Zen in the West include Sogaku Harada, Shinryu Suzuki, and Kyung Beo Seo. Tokyo: Charles E. Tuttle Company. Zen 101: A Brief Introduction to Zen Buddhism, An Introduction to Koan Study in Zen Buddhism, The Role the Four Evangelists Play in Christianity. Speaking of this in terms of God and consciousness, Deshimaru wrote: It is satori consciousness. When thoughts and sensations arise, you recognize them while remaining aware of the environment and your body. From 1185 to 1333, Kamakura was the capital and political center of Japan. However, to live this life, a samurai must clear his mind of all other distractions, including the fear of death. For a samurai, living by the Bushido Codeand being their masters almighty guardian was best achieved through living a Zen life and achieving Satori (). This brand of Zen was known as Beat Zen, and its spokesperson was the Beat novelist Jack Kerouac. This is the only surviving Rinzai lineage in Japan today. The Book of Five Rings. This apparently was the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. Perhaps their friends and teachers will think they have betrayed their spiritual quest for enlightenment and have succumbed to falsehood, weakness, and ignorance. Another Japanese monk, Dogen5 (1200-1253), also traveled to China and studied Chan Buddhism. About that same time, the Meiji Emperor abolished the samurai class, which by then consisted mostly of bureaucrats, not warriors. This is comparable to modern mindfulness meditation. Massachusetts: Shambhala. Arizona: Hohm Press. This was a principal reason for the interaction of ideas between Zen and the samurai philosophy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. You might say to a Zen Buddhist that, according to your understand of the teachings of the Buddha, people do not have souls. It allows you to free your mind and clear your thoughts. Second, it lays the cards faceup on the table for both sides to see for them to recognize the implications of what they believe and for you to determine the weaknesses of their faith. Many practitioners count breaths to aid the meditation process. The warlord Oda Nobunaga overthrew the government of Japan in 1573, which began whats called the Momoyama Period (1573-1603). Chinese Taoist influence also helped to formulate this religion. Its philosophy cannot be delineated because it has no theory or system of principles. They believed that plans and strategy on the battlefield led to death, and Zen helped followers dismiss such thoughts. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/role-of-zen-in-samurai-culture-449944. Without God life is meaningless, and grasping after the things of the world is like grasping brittle paper. To become a bamboo and to forget that you are one with it while drawing it this is the Zen of the bamboo, this is the moving with the rhythmic movement of the spirit which resides in the bamboo as well as in the artist himself. The Buddha was born around 563 and his teaching eventually spread throughout Asia. Without thought, the situation arises. As a teen and young man, he had been an advocate of the Ritsu sect of Buddhism, but converted to Zen at some point before the invasion. Beginning in 1192, the ___________ ruled Japan for about 700 years. Since Zen promotes the religion of self-effort, non-Asian Americans view Zen as a way to plunge deeper into themselves. Questions to a Zen Master. With practice, you may be able to keep a level head in stressful situations. When http://www.equip.org/christian-research-journal/, Ancient Aliens, Pyramids, and the Great Sphinx of Giza: Testing the Television Shows Claims with Truth, Why Youth Are Walking away from Biblical Sexuality and What Parents Can Do About It, Mrs. Davis TV Series Review and Metamodernism, The Woke Revolution and the Demise of Western Civilization, Beautiful Union by Joshua Ryan Butler and the Trouble with Borrowing Icons, The Upside-Down Metaphor: A Hermeneutical Critique of Josh Butlers Beautiful Union, Connect with the Christian Research Institute, This will be discussed in the Spring 1995, Since Jodo Shinshu was surveyed in the three-part series on Witnessing to Asian Americans in previous issues of the, Since John Weldon examined this religion in the Fall 1992. Forgetting learning, relinquishing mind, harmonizing without any self-conscious knowledge thereof, is the ultimate consummation of the way." According to Zen Buddhists, Zazen, like Zen, cannot be explained. In time, she rebelled, becoming involved with different men. The addition of martial arts training is likened to having a funnel in hand while the cup is being knocked over. While samurai meditation was used by warriors, it offers many potential benefits for people today: Two major forms of meditation developed from early Buddhist teachings. I didnt know that it was influenced by Chinese and Indian culture. In 1893 Soyen Shaku was invited to the Worlds Parliament of Religions, which was held in Chicago. Zen began in India. They are as bound to common morality as the wind, which may help pollination or spread wildfires. There are many reasons: One is that we live in a self-reliant culture. Samurai followed a code called Bushido which taught followers to embrace the possibility of death at any moment. Gradually work your way up to 30-minute or longer meditation sessions. This is similar to the natural instincts one has in a deadly situation. . Sit: Zen Teachings of Master Taisen Deshimaru. They later made up the ruling military class which eventually became the highest ranking social caste of the Edo Period (1603-1867). (Astrology Dates, Symbols & Traits) 2023, Self Care Activity Worksheets (Cute + FREE Printable PDF! If you become detached from your thoughts and feelings and finally your will, what prevents evil spirits from possessing you? Seems many travelers and merchants end up learning something new and then bringing it back to their homelands. But Jesus did promise that He will help us carry our burdens during our struggles here on earth (Matt. Among other inaccurate claims, the author, Nukariya Kaiten (1867-1934) wrote that As regards Japan, it [Zen] was first introduced into the island as the faith first for the Samurai or the military class, and molded the characters of many distinguished soldiers whose lives adorn the pages of her history. As I've already explained this is not what happened. After choosing your sitting position, you may begin practicing zazen, starting with concentration meditation. Zen refined the characteristics that made the samurai a distinguished warrior. The warrior class was quick to see the potential for special spiritual and psychological strength from Zen, which contributed to the strength of character, firmness of will and imperviousness to suffering on which they prided themselves." It is the consciousness of God. Ultimately the best route to the soul of most Zen Buddhists is through their hearts and not their minds. Zen Buddhism called Chan in China was among the last of these, reaching Japan initially at the end of the 12th century, in 1191. When one solves his or her koan and not by reason he or she experiences kensho (enlightenment). A samurai that follows the Bushido Code values loyalty, filial piety, and kindness above all else. Ask him or her to briefly explain what it is that continues to exist in another life form after he or she dies. As much as Westerners are addicted to the pleasures of the world, many are equally desirous of being detached from anything that would cause them to suffer. Furthermore, they may be anxious about what their Buddhist friends and particularly their Zen teachers may think of their abandonment of Zen. His Zen experience inevitably displaced his Christian faith. One of the best illustrations of how one might benefit from Zen training comes from Suzuki's Zen and Japanese Culture: He who deliberates and moves his brush intent on making a picture, misses to a still greater extent the art of painting. Tokimune shouted, "Katsu!" When we think of the Japanese warrior, we must remember the ideals of the Zen tradition if we wish understand the path of this unique historical fixture. Thus, when we engage in a religious dialogue with Zen Buddhists, we should avoid getting entangled in long discussions in which we try to persuade them that they must accept the logic of our argument. Bodhidharma. (37). But Solomon became a fool. People loved his preaching because he was able to convey the love of Christ in a way everyone could understand. Watch a video preview here. The Hojo Government was known for being a militaristic regime.5 The most well-known member of the Hojo family was Hojo Tokimune. For example, he introduced English words into the practice of chanting. Massachusetts: Shambhala. Because great strength of will and concentration, as opposed to just technical skill, are needed to succeed in lightning-fast blade duels, the samurai turned to Zen. One cannot say that the actions of the cup were distinct from the situation, thereby requiring a moral judgment. This was the beginning of the Kamakura period, which lasted until 1333. Tell the Buddhist that you agree that the Buddha was right in trying to resolve the issue of human suffering, but that when you are hurting, you want to find comfort from someone who can feel the pain you feel and not someone who has detached himself or herself from all pain. 1991. Hj Tokimune ( , 5 June 1251 20 April 1284) of the Hj clan was the eighth shikken (officially regent of the shgun, but de facto ruler of Japan) of the Kamakura shogunate (reigned 126884), known for leading the Japanese forces against the invasion of the Mongols and for spreading Zen Buddhism. These are just four of an estimated 1,700 Koans. Despite all his wealth, fame, and knowledge, he departed from the statutes of God and betrayed his friendship with the Lord. Over time, Japans culture would become very similar to Chinas own, by becoming much more focused on the living world rather than the afterlife. What Zodiac Sign is October? Although the shadow of D. T. Suzuki has obscured the accomplishments of these men, they still have played significant roles in the development of Zen in the West. The samurai were elite warriors during the pre-modern period of Japans history. The weapon of the samurai, the katana, becomes transformed along with the person. Of course, it is useless perhaps even mean-spirited to attempt to crush a persons faith and not offer something better in its place. They believed that plans and strategy on the battlefield led to death, and Zen helped followers dismiss such thoughts. According to Christmas Humphreys, Zen is at once the Life, the Truth, and the Way.19 Humphreys is not alone in ascribing to Zen qualities that Christians ascribe to Jesus Christ. Serene reflection is the final stage of the three meditation Samurai techniques. In part to the victory over the Mongols under Tokimune's guidance, Zen Buddhism began to spread among the samurai class with some rapidity. Answer (1 of 6): There are few reasons why Jainism and Buddhism gained popularity ( not both of them are big religions .. Buddhism slight bigger and Jainism too smaller ) * Both these religions are based on the principle " no one is superior" . After asking them questions about a certain point, we can share what we believe in that area, resisting the urge to argue. This article also explains how Buddhism is a faith based on lifestyle and how things are handled throughout ones life. The purpose of Zen meditation was to open this martial training to the subconscious, instinctive forces of his being that governed action without thought. (King 1993, 166) The techniques of swordsmanship were not inherently flawed, but the factor that was most open to imperfections was the mind of the practitioner. Tokimune responded by having them brought to Kamakura and then beheading them. New York: North Point Press. Meaningless! The origins of samurai meditation can be traced to the late sixth century in the Himalayan foothills. Zen Buddhism also taught samurai practitioners to clear their minds of all thoughts before battle, helping them overcome fear and distraction. Due to his revered status and position in the Hojo regime, many of the lower ranking generals and samurai adopted Zen both as a way to honor their fallen leader and because living a Zen life was thought to be the way a samurai should live his life. One hopes that with adequate readiness, he will be able to catch the water in the air and direct it in the proper way with the power of the funnel. The fourth truth outlines the Eight-Fold Path to enlightenment. Unlike most Westerners, Kapleau has tried to adjust the traditional technique of Zen into a more Western form. A Zen-man will have no need for instruments of other media to express his art. It is God." Zen offered the samurai what no amount of physical training or knowledge of military strategy could. Of the major schools of Mahayana Buddhism (other than Tibetan Buddhism), three are currently prominent in North America: (1) the Pure Land schools of Buddhism, whose members are primarily Japanese Americans and Chinese Americans,3 (2) Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, whose members are primarily non-Asians,4 and (3) Zen Buddhism, whose teachers are mostly Asians, but whose followers are predominantly non-Asians. O'Brien, Barbara. Theodore de Bary, Donald Keene, George Tanabe, and Paul Varley, College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences. Perhaps no Eastern religion is considered more chic and intellectually sophisticated in America today than Zen Buddhism. Many monks were already on the Shoguns council, limiting the need to spread their teachings to the warrior class. The intensive concentration of Rinzai-style meditation can be an aid in enhancing martial arts skills and reducing fear of death on a battlefield. The success of Zen, however, was due not to him but rather to his disciple, Daisetz Teitaro (D. T.) Suzuki (1870-1966). What do you suppose would happen if Buddhism were to be brought to China, and then introduced to the samurai warriors of Japan? Ultimately, I think one of the most admirable aspects of samurais is how they accepted death almost without a care or regret. To Christians, grasping is futile as well. (1991, 66), For Westerners, this idea might cause problems. James Stuart - Updated September 29, 2017, Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Education, Explore state by state cost analysis of US colleges in an interactive article, San Jose State University: Age of the Samurai, The Samurai and the Sacred; Stephen Turnbull. The training of Zen meditation, zazen, is said to return the mind to its original state, that of being in harmony with the cosmic order of things. Andrew Abele is a freelance writer based in Metairie, Louisiana. Though the First Zen Institute of New York was established in 1930, few people joined the Institute over the next two decades. Seo brought a Korean form of Zen Buddhism to North America. Reasons The primary reason samurai adopted Zen Buddhism was the belief that it strengthened them on the battlefield. As you practice just sitting, you may eventually reach a state where your mind becomes one with the surrounding environment. 1. North American culture places a high premium on experience. Ive always been interested in Japanese and Chinese culture and really wanted to know what the differences were between the two countries in terms of culture. Lance had lost everything on earth he held dear. Whether the Zen Buddhist is knowledgeable about the Buddhist doctrine on these points or not, these questions will force him or her to face the implications of these doctrines. Without thought, a reaction takes place. The ultimate goal of the Zen Buddhist is the same as for all Buddhists: the attainment of nirvana, which is the extinction of all desires and passions and the extinction of ones individual identity. (2023, April 5). 20 FILL IN THE BLANK: For many years, ______________________ was the official language of Japan's government. Start by finding a quiet, comfortable place that is free of distractions. According to Buddhist tradition, one of the last instructions the Buddha gave to his disciples before passing away was for them to work out their own salvation with diligence. This is an online articlefrom theChristian Research Journal. My interest for this article also stemmed from the fact I actually got to go to Japan; so thank you for writing this article and letting me take a relative stroll down memory lane! The Kumakura Period (11851333) saw failed Mongol invasions, political upheavals, and civil war, all of which kept the samurai busy. Why was Zen Buddhism from China appealing to samurai in Japan during the Kamakura Period? A samurais warrior code is one that values honor, loyalty and discipline above all else. The Burmese pose is a cross-legged position with the ankles crossed over the calves instead of the thighs, which may be even easier for those with limited flexibility. The 47 Ronin Story. Zen meditation enhanced the personal strength of the samurai by teaching them to let instincts rule their actions instead of relying on thought. But a divorced minister is a stigma that many churches have great difficulty accepting. You gain more awareness of your surroundings without allowing thoughts to cloud your judgment. This is an online Practical Hermeneutics articlefrom theChristian Research Journal. Buddhism, Amida became a Buddha and set up a western paradise called the Pure Land. Yet when the sword is in its scabbard by the side of the samurai, it is most precise in its cut. Through continuous trade, Japan would adopt many of Chinas farming practices, its calendar system, and their written language, also known as Kanji. In U.S. History courses we miss out on a lot that goes on across the other side of the world, and Buddhism is certainly more than just a world religion. The preferred posture is a seated position with legs crossed and hands folded over the lap. Family Traditions on the Art of War. By the time of Japan's civil war in the sixteenth century, known as the Senogku, the buke was primarily referred to as samurai. It promotes the development of Mushin. The concept of Mushin was important to samurai, as it requires a mind that is free from thoughts of fear, anger, and ego. You do not count breaths or focus on a koan. The relationship between the samurai and Zen Buddhism is often traced back to the thirteenth century, which saw both a rise of warrior power and the increased introduction of Zen teachings from China. Today, however, he says without hesitation that he is a Zen Buddhist, not a Christian. Allyn, John. You may find it difficult to maintain a comfortable posture when kneeling compared to sitting. This first school of Buddhism in Japan was Rinzai. Zen tradition locates the origin of Zen in the esoteric teachings of the Buddha. Religion's extension of influence doesn't end there as religion often gave justification to individuals and groups to perform certain acts. Even in the early history of Buddhism, the elements that would ultimately develop into its two major branches were present in its many ancient schools. While Zen practitioners trace their beliefs to India, its emphasis on the possibility of sudden enlightenment and a close connection with nature derive from Chinese influences. As Zen masters like to say, The present moment is pregnant with god.". The benefit of querying is threefold: First, since Zen Buddhists are familiar with this mode of dialogue, they become more willing to address theological issues. Within the past four decades a mountain of literature has appeared in North American bookstores. Tokyo: Kodansha International. As you share your faith in Christ with Zen Buddhists, one additional point may be worth mentioning. Most likely he was reflecting the growing military fervor of his generation that eventually would lead to the War in the Pacific in the 20th century. Breathe from the center of your belly and keep your eyelids half-lowered. Although attaining enlightenment is the primary goal of a Zen Buddhist, Zen is not against philosophical understanding, study of Sutras [scripture], or development of liturgy, but is quick to reject these concerns once they threaten to become objects of desire and hence obstacles to the one essential [satori].18. Choose a comfortable seat, such as a pillow. Once the Holy Spirit touches their hearts, their minds will also be awakened to the truth of the Gospel. However, the samurai in the capital chose to embrace Zen Buddhism. Finally, she left Lance and her three young children for another man. To renounce Zen in the face of such disapproval and possible derision might require a resolve that your support can bolster. Don't miss a single issue of the worlds largest magazine of martial arts. Samurai Zen meditation is a useful tool for creating harmony between your mind and body. Unlike Eisai, Dogen refused to mix any other ideas or concepts with Zen. I really liked how the author threw in Chinese words and letters as well. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. Samurai composed poetry, practiced the tea ceremony and maintained gardens. This is an online Viewpoint articlefrom theChristian Research Journal. The samurai and other Zen Buddhists refer to this form of meditation as Shikantaza, which translates as just sitting. You are actively aware of your consciousness and surroundings but do not think about them. James Stuart began his professional writing career in 2010. Also ask them if they think they can reach this goal in their present lifetime. Learn Religions, Apr. At the time, much of Japan was ruled by independent landowners. In the 70s and 80s, no one Zen master or charismatic spokesperson for Zen emerged in the West as had Suzuki, Watts, Humphreys, and Kapleau in previous decades. Zen Buddhism called Chan in China was among the last of these, reaching Japan initially at the end of the 12 th century, in 1191. Samurai and Bushido. [1] Once the buke class had attained prominence during the Gempei War, they did not relinquish that power and gradually became the most important class in Japan. Whether dealing with pain, stress, anxiety, or even discomfort, people in our society would prefer to cut themselves off from the causes of their suffering rather than face them and allow suffering to chisel them into better persons. (literally "Victory! How can we explain Zens popularity in the West? Bodhidarma (A.D. 470-543) is said to be the 28th patriarch, who established the Chan tradition in China. A koan is a type of paradoxical riddle that requires deep reflection. When practitioners can successfully practice concentration meditation, they begin meditating on a koan. The potency of Zen Buddhism in particular was recognized by the new military masters of Japan, both as a cultural base of political influence and a psychological training system for warriors. This admonition is one of the major pillars of the Buddhist faith. If not, how many lifetimes? 20 For many years, _____was the official language of Japan's government. ). Very interesting to see a spread of different religions to different countries. You simply sit while thinking of not thinking, which is the true art of zazen. In India the Sanskrit word for meditation is Dhyana, which refers to a highly developed meditative discipline in Hinduism. They valued his counseling because he was able to touch peoples deepest needs with caring insight. Japanese commoners at this time often had only one name. Are you to be detached from other Zen Buddhists and especially your Zen master? Hj Tokimune ( , 5 June 1251 - 20 April 1284) of the Hj clan was the eighth shikken (officially regent of the shgun, but de facto ruler of Japan) of the Kamakura shogunate (reigned 1268-84), known for leading the Japanese forces against the invasion of the Mongols and for spreading Zen Buddhism.He was the eldest son of Tokiyori, fifth shikken (regent) of the Kamakura . Zen and Japanese Culture. 1993. This article first appeared in theChristian Research Journal, volume 45, number 2/3 (2022). The teachings of Zen became popular among the samurai because its foundations taught everything that a good warrior needs. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. He focused on the Tsao-tung school. In this way we will plant not only seeds of doubt but seeds of hope as well. This article was not only interesting but extremely informative as well! Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Civilization VI: Hojo Tokimune Leads Japan", "Hojo Tokimune leads Japan's restoration in 'Civilization VI', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hj_Tokimune&oldid=1137933661, Hj Tokimune leads the Japanese civilization in the 2016, This page was last edited on 7 February 2023, at 04:01. If so, go here now. Though Japan experienced no revolutionary war for independence, much of its culture, philosophies and ideals were borrowed or influenced from China, which in turn was influenced by a variety of cultures and philosophies from around the continent. Musashi, Miyamoto. And as we serve Christ, our lives are affirmed by Him not extinguished, but marked with meaning. Stephen Turnbull, in his book "The Samurai and the Sacred" argues that Samurai did not exclusively use Zen Buddhism to form their moral code, and that it, instead, provided a method of intellectualizing several preexisting samurai beliefs. As described by Christmas Humphreys, Zen is beyond description.8 Zen is not something that can be explained in words, explains Toichi Yoshioka, but is a practice which is carried out for ones own self-development and leads to a state of liberation called satori.9 Alan Watts states, in reference to the Zen experience, that the Tao is beyond words: To say that everything is the Tao almost gets the point, but just at the moment of getting it, the words crumble into nonsense. Whereas pop culture in the West promotes the thrill element in experience such as enjoying the most passionate sexual climax or viewing the most gruesome violent murder on the screen or in a video game philosophy and art in Western society exalt the existential moment when the true essence of self emerges to give meaning to ones life. The other technique is the concentration on a koan a phrase, question, or problem that is insoluble to the intellect. Buddhism and Chinese culture have always interested me. It was neither good nor bad. Yes, Zen influenced the samurai, as it did most of Japanese culture and society for a time. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Because of this, Japan frequently traded goods and ideas with China. "Samurai Zen." Even though this relationship had humble beginnings and was probably mostly secular in nature (record keeping, political advising, etc. Tokimune was only thirty-two at the time of his death, but in his short life, Tokimune dedicated himself to the study of Zen and erected temples for the Chinese Zen masters in Japan. The koan may be a statement or a question. While the reasons vary widely, in most cases it is the Zen experience that has attracted them to this Eastern religion. The full lotus involves placing each foot on the opposite thigh. New York: Oxford University Press. Learning new religions really expands the mind into not only understanding others but to also understand where they came from. For further information or to subscribe to the Christian Research Journal go to: http://www.equip.org/christian-research-journal/, One of the most popular forms of Buddhism among non-Asian North Americans is Zen Buddhism. The professor must have known that what he wrote was not accurate. Continue meditating and counting for five minutes.