Shintoism 1. “Shinto” means “the way of the

gods” 2. Began around 1,000 B.C.E. 3. Beliefs: • Series of traditions and customs • Pilgrimages to famous places and

shrines

Floating Torii of Miyajima

Semba Toshogu Shrine

• Spirits called “kami” exist in natural places (plants, animals, mountains, etc.)

• “gods” are any person/place/thing that inspire awe – mountains, rivers, ancestors, etc.

• Tied to deep love of nature

Buddhism

3. Buddhism differs from Shintoism because Buddhism has an afterlife; Shintoism not interested in what happens after death

4. Buddhism introduced in 552 CE

5. State religion of Japan by end of 6th century

Zen Buddhism

1. Most important thing: Meditation

2. Zen Buddhists hope to find the Truth through discipline and contemplation (thinking about things)

3. The samurai used the ideas of ZB in their training because it gave them:

• Discipline

• Tranquility (calmness of mind and soul)

• Total concentration during battle

• Helped them recognize beauty in Nature

Zen Buddhism Tea Ceremony

4. The Tea Ceremony was so important because:

• Designed to help monks meditate, but was used in samurai training

4 Parts:

• Harmony

• Respect

• Purity

• Tranquility