An Intro To Japanese Buddhism

Japanese Buddhism has an interesting and complex history. It is said that Buddhism arrived in Japan in the year A.D. 538. The ruler of the Korean Kingdom of Baekje gave the gift of a brilliant Buddha image and scrolls of Buddhist scripture to Emperor Kimmei of Japan. There was ensuing controversy regarding the acceptance of a foreign belief. Two dominate clans, the Mononobe and the Nakatomi opposed this new belief. They believed in the current tradition of Shinto.
Another influential clan, the Soga, believed Buddhism had much to offer and that it would enhance their culture. There was much dispute amongst the royal court. In the end, the Emperor gave favor to the Soga clan to introduce Buddhism to their culture.
Some forty years later Prince Regent Shotoku (574-621 A.D.) believed deeply in the Buddhist way. He felt the Buddha's teachings would greatly enhance, refine, and unify the country and culture.
Prince Shotoku introduced The Three Treasures, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha as the highest most guidance for all to follow.
The prince ordered the construction of Buddhist temples throughout the land. Horyu-ji is the most famous temple in Japan. It is the world's oldest wooden structure that still exists near the previous capital city of Nara. National support of Buddhism continued after Prince Shotoku died. The Buddhist way prospered amongst the nobility, the monks, and the various artisans.
Emperor Shomu oversaw the construction of kokubunji or National Buddhist temples in every province. The Japanese Buddhist monks followed scriptures that were introduced from China. Many beautiful works of art that still exist today are on display in these temples.
In these times the Buddhist temples were the mainstay of Japanese culture. They served as places of worship, schools, hospitals, as well as orphanages for children and refuges for old people.
The monks in these temples served as teachers, physicians, engineers and more. As a result the Japanese government saw the good of having Buddhist temples, and the ensuing lifestyle. In this way the government supported the Buddhist way spiritually and materially. Both the government and the people recognized this valuable contribution to their society.
The story of Japanese Buddhism is continued with the links below.

1) Japanese Buddhism The Rise of Tendai and Shingon

2) The Kamakura Period

3) The Kamakura Period Continued.END=OM MANI PADME HUM.( 3 TIMES ).RESEARCH TIBET BUDDHIST DHARMA BY VENERABLE GESHE TESERING TASHI.VIETNAMESE TIBET NUN.( NHA TRANG ).29/1/2012.