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Question 1: Mahāyāna Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism is the main traditional religion practiced in China. This section

exclusively used course material to briefly discuss the origin and common themes of Mahayana

Buddhism, and the central teaching that promotes diverse teaching and techniques. It also

describes, compares, and contrasts three different Mahayana paths that are believed to lead to

salvation in the Chinese Buddhism. Finally, the section discusses why Mahayana Buddhism

quickly started to thrive in China.

The origin of Mahāyāna is yet to be clearly established. The earliest views of Mahāyāna

make assumptions that it was an original separate school that competed with the "Hīnayāna"

schools (Poceski .n.p.). Additionally, texts obtained regarding Mahāyāna show that it had a strict

adherence to the path of a bodhisattva. They also show that Mahāyāna was characterized by the

practice of a monastic life as they lived in the wilderness, and followed the principles outlined in

Rhinoceros Sūtra. Such early textual evidence of "Mahāyāna" are obtained from sūtras dating

back to the start of the common era (Poceski .n.p.). Researchers have also shown that some texts

from Mahāyāna like Ugraparipṛccha Sūtra make frequent reference to the word "Mahāyāna"

despite the lack of any doctrinal differences between "Mahāyāna" and the early schools in this

context (Poceski .n.p.). Additionally, "Mahāyāna" was used in reference to rigorous emulation of

Gautama Buddha among bodhisattva who sought to be fully enlightened Buddhas.

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Notably, there are three primary concepts and themes found within the Mahayana

Buddhism. These themes include faith and determination, loving kindness, and compassion.

These themes make the philosophy that Buddha expounds to be very broad and profound (Robert

n.p.). However, the application of these themes makes Buddha’s teachings to be well-reasoned,

logical, and contain practical principles. Such teachings were taught by the wise men in the past

with the aim of leading people to Buddhahood.

The theme of wisdom was also used to encourage diverse teachings and techniques. For

instance, the principle of Five Vehicles was used to encourage to leave evil ways and to adopt

ways that would lead them to the right aspirations (Robert n.p.). Wisdom was also applied in

explaining the various ways through which individuals would benefit from the paths to

enlightenment as outlined by Buddhism.

The Buddhists believed that there are three paths that would lead people to salvation.

This was done through principles that explained how salvation would be achieved. The first was

the Five Vehicles. This aimed at directing people against evil ways and adopting the right

aspirations (Robert n.p.). The second was the Three Vehicles that was believed to lead people to

disentanglement from worldly pleasures and enable them achieve freedom. The final path was

the One Vehicle; this was believed to convert people from practicing Sravaka and Pratyeka-

buddhas and then redirecting them the Mahayana thought.

Studies have also shown that Mahayana Buddhism spread quickly in China. One of the

contributing factors was the rising to power of the Tang Dynasty during the 7

Century (Robert

n.p.). More and more people got to learn about Buddhism, later on making it a crucial component

of the Chinese culture. It also influenced Sculpture, Literature, Chinese Art, and Philosophy.

Additionally, the number of individuals translating the Buddhist texts had increased

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significantly, making the culture reach out to more and more people (Robert n.p.). Several

schools were also established to help in practicing the Buddhist teaching. Such schools taught

different concepts and theme that promoted the principles taught by Buddhism. This attracted

more believers as the practice continued spreading within the Chinese culture.

Mahayana Buddhism remains the main traditional religion in China. The concepts and

teachings that it contains are taught and taught in the community. However, its origin has not yet

been established. Researchers continue to identify possible origins of the religion.

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Works Cited

Poceski, Mario. Introducing Chinese Religions. Routledge, 2009.

Robert, Ellwood. Introducing Japanese Religion. Routledge. 2016.

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Question 2: Shinto Tradition

Shinto tradition is very common in Japan. It is a form of traditional religion with rituals,

beliefs, and practices that are believed to be from the underworld. Researchers have also

developed interest in the concepts of the tradition. In this regard, this section describes some of

the specific central myths, rituals, symbols, and practices found within the Shinto tradition. It

also explains the understanding that such information could be used to draw on how the Shinto

understanding of cosmos, nature, and reality. The relationship between human beings, the divine,

and nature is also discussed. Additionally, how this knowledge could be applied in other

agencies or the government is discussed.

Shinto is centrally based on kami, the sacred spirits and gods in the Shinto tradition.

These gods take the form of various things like plants, animals, rivers, and lakes; thus, Shinto

can be considered a form of animism (Robert n.p.). It is believed that when people die, they

become kami and shrines are preserved for them as they are celebrated as ancestral kami. The

most famous kami in the Shinto tradition is the Goddess Amaterasu.

It is also notable that everything is almost grey in Shinto as there are no real absolutes in

the tradition. It is believed that there is no absolute wrong or right, and none is perfect (Robert

n.p.). Humans are viewed as fundamentally good, and evils are associated with devilish and

troublesome kami.

There are also several rituals that are conducted to keep away spirits considered evil. This

is done through offerings, purification, and prayers. Purification makes a crucial component of

the tradition (Poceski .n.p.). A Shinto priest is normally invited to bless new buildings

constructed in Japan; the same is done during car assembly and Japanese buildings that are built

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elsewhere other than Japan. Additionally, both men and women are permitted to become priests,

marry, and have children.

It is also notable that there are various symbols used within the Shinto community. One

such is the tori gate found at the entry to Shinto shrine, sword, and mirror; these are both related

to the myth of Amaterasu (Poceski .n.p.). Another crucial symbol within the Shinto tradition is

the pair of foxes that is found at the entry to the shrines, associated with the deity Inari. All the

symbols that placed on Shinto altars are always covered so that they are hidden.

The tradition is also associated with several practices. One of these practices in the Shinto

tradition is Omairi. In this case, all people are allowed to access the shrine and they need not be

‘Shinto’ to perform this practice (Poceski .n.p.). However, visiting a shrine requires one to follow

a few fundamental steps. The most fundamental is that they must bow respectfully when they

approach the Torii before they enter the shrine.

Another practice is Misogi. This refers to the practice performed for purification. It is

done by immersing one in cold water as prayers are recited; it is done very day in the morning

(Poceski .n.p.). It is preferably conducted by regular practitioners. Additionally, people also

practice Harae. This involves performing ritual prayers and offering them to Kami.

This shows the importance that the Shinto is an organized and logical. There are defined

rituals and practices that guide the practice. Additionally, Shinto attaches a great significance to

nature, cosmos, and reality. It also shows that they appreciate the Supreme Being who created

the nature. This is why they use animals and other nature to represent their god. There is also a

clear relationship linking the divine, humans, and nature. Humans have the task of respecting and

serving the nature. On the other hand, nature is viewed as a representation of the divine. Thus,

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the teachings advise people to live in harmony with their environment. This would help other

bodies such as the environmental conservation agencies.

This idea will be achieved by attaching more value to the nature. For instance, animals

and more plants will be used as symbols for kami. This will ensure that people respect them for

religious purposes. Eventually, environmental conservation will be promoted.

This shows the importance of Shinto tradition. On top of promoting morals in the society,

it also aids other segments and departments in enhancing their efficiency. In this case, it has been

illustrated how it promotes environmental conservation.

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Works Cited

Poceski, Mario. Introducing Chinese Religions. Routledge, 2009.

Robert, Ellwood. Introducing Japanese Religion. Routledge. 2016.

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Question 3

There is no specific definition of ‘religion’ that has been established and agreed upon as

the standard definition. As such, researchers continue with studies in an attempt to identify the

most suitable definition. In this section, some of the challenges that a researcher could face in

China and Japan are discussed. This is achieved through a comparison of the Japanese and

Chinese religious systems. Some of the definitions of religion are also identified, as well as the

things that one needs to keep in mind when differentiating the Chinese religion from Japanese

religion. Finally, the section explains the idea of referring to Chinese and Japanese religion as an

invention or construct.

The primary similarity between modern-day Chinese and Japanese religions is that most

citizens in the two countries are no longer as religious as they used to be in the past (Robert n.p.).

The Communist government in China has attempted to eliminate traditional religion. This

happened especially during the Cultural Revolution (Robert n.p.). However, Buddhism and

traditional mythology remain significant within the country. In Japan, most aspects of culture in

the country reflect traditional religion. However, there are various differences between the

religious practices in both cases.

The native religion in Japan is called Shinto and is characterized by many symbols and

gods; it is similar to the Ancient Greek mythology (Robert n.p.). Shinto was hybridized with

Buddhism that was borrowed from India. In China, there is no collective name for the native

religion practiced in the country. Every region has its own traditional god. The religious beliefs

in the country were hybridized with Buddhism (Robert n.p.). Additionally, religion has been

hybridized with philosophies such as Confucianism and Daoism. This hybridization has led to

various influences in the ideas of morality.

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Researchers have also established that the religion of China has been multi-religion.

Studies also claim that Confucianism is the most popular religion and it is the source of Chinese

culture. It is also the most popular in the country (Poceski .n.p.). As such, this religion has made

the Chinese culture more tolerant to the others. This means that there are hardly any challenges

that need be taken when studying the Chinese religion (Poceski .n.p.). Additionally, there is

freedom of religious practices and belief in the country. As such, researchers are also entitled to

believe in and study any religion they wish.

On the other hand, researchers have come up with Japanese religion as a collective term

referring to the various religious traditions found in Japan (Poceski .n.p.). Some of the challenges

faced in the study of Japanese religion are identification of the various religions found in the

country. As such, a researcher should be keen to ensure that they consider all the religious groups

in the country when study the religion of Japan.

This also shows that the religion in China and Japan is an ‘invention’ or ‘construct’. The

religion in Japan is a construct because it was formed from the combination of Shinto and

Buddhism (Poceski .n.p.). This led to various practices such as the presence of many gods,

rituals, and practices. As such, it contains beliefs from both religions. On the other hand, the

religion in China is said to be a construct because there are various traditional religions in the

country (Poceski .n.p.). Every region in the country has its own unique religion. Additionally,

beliefs in the country were hybridized with Buddhism. Notably, religion has also been

hybridized with philosophies such as Confucianism and Daoism (Poceski .n.p.). This

hybridization has led to various influences in the ideas of morality. This means that the religious

rituals, practices, and beliefs are a combination of different beliefs, making the Chinese religion

a construct.

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This section shows that there is no standard definition of ‘religion’. However, it shows

that there are various aspects that must be considered when defining religion such as that of

China or Japan. Additionally, the difference between the Chinese and Japanese religions is

shown. The section also explains why the religion in China and Japan could be termed an

invention or construct.

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Works Cited

Poceski, Mario. Introducing Chinese Religions. Routledge, 2009.

Robert, Ellwood. Introducing Japanese Religion. Routledge. 2016.

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