P7+Zen,+Monks+and+Nuns

Zen, Monks, and Nuns By: Emily G. & Oonagh S.

=**Introduction**= === Japan is a culturally diverse place, with two rich and vastly different religions, Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto was Japan’s “original” religion, which was considered a life style rather than a formal religion. Buddhism was brought was China by several monks and was introduced into Japan. Afterwards, Buddhism became a popular religion and was found all over Japan. The Buddhist monks began to build temples that differed extremely from the numerous Shinto shrines all across Japan. However, there were a few differences within these religions; the appreciation of nature and the important of meditation, especially in Buddhism. ===

=**Shinto**= === Shinto is considered to be the traditional religion of Japan. It was originally more like a lifestyle rather than a religion, which you can see when you discuss the origin of the word “Shinto”. Shinto was an unnamed religion until Zen Buddhism was introduced in Ancient Japan. Now, because there was another religion present, they had to come up with a way to refer to their religion by name, so they came up with the name Shinto. This religion has no founder (s), sacred test, religious philosophy or even a specific moral code. Also, this religion is a religion of festivals. They take place year round and for everything. There are festivals for the summer and winter solstices, for grandparents, children, women, men and all sorts of other things. Shinto is also called a religion of shrines because the Japanese people constantly built shrines honoring nature spirits called Kami that Monks and other people always make sure are clean. Kami is often translated as “god” or “spirit”. They may be anything beautiful or awe-inspiring in nature, animate or inanimate. Many Kami reside in trees, streams, rocks, animals, clouds and even storms. These guardians may also protect places and clans. Kami are not necessarily things in nature, for Kami can be exceptional human beings (such as Japanese emperors). These spirits are meant to protect and give life. When going to worshiping these beings, there are three steps you must take. First, you must purify yourself, which almost always involves water. It is poured over your hands and used to rinse out your mouth. Secondly, you must give an offering to the Kami, which is most commonly food or money. Finally, you must offer a prayer to the kami, of thanksgiving and petition for the times to come. This can be performed either in nature or in a shrine. === =**Zen Buddhism**= ===Buddhism was brought to Japan when several monks came back from China. Meditation is a very big part of Buddhism. They will meditate for hours until a feeling of utter and calm and serenity takes hold of him or her. When meditating, you are required to at least attempt to empty your mind of all thoughts. The term Zen means meditation, or concentration. Their practice of meditation is to sit erect, cross legged and motionless, with the mind concentrated to achieve first, tranquility, and then active insight. One type of meditation is called Zazen. When practicing Zazen you have to sit like you are the statue of Buddha. Sinjo is there another meditation, it is complete silence. It goes on for45 minutes and is measured with a burning stick. The priests measure the time. They are not allowed to leave until the meditation is over. The priests start it with a bell or wooden clapper. A Zen master is an older monk or nun that has achieved enlightenment. Enlightenment is very important to Zen. Enlighten is being fearless. The sects are Nichiren, and Zen. Zen is the most popular. Self-understanding and self- reliance is the main part of Zen.===

=**Life in a Buddhist Monastery**= ===The breakfast in a monastery starts when there is the chanting of scripture. When they chant, the monks uncover their bowls and put them in a straight line under the direction of the head monk. Then no one is allowed to speak or make any sounds, now the monks show deep thanks, even if the meals are below quality. They consume very small servings of food. The monks are allowed three bowls of rice, pickled plums and vegetables. The leftovers of the rice is called saba, this is offered first to the spirits, and then to the kitchen for the birds to eat. On the first, the third, the fourth, the sixth, and the eighth of each moth (plus every date including those numbers), are the days meant for begging. The monks will all leave the monastery in groups of three. They will go to different parts of town for three hours in the morning. People will emerge from their homes and give the monks a small amount of rice or money. The monks will bow deeply in appreciation. The monks also shave their heads. This was originally a symbol of the monk being very strong. This is something that a monk can do quickly and skillfully===

=**Zen Gardens**=

=== Zen gardens are simple yet beautiful gardens often made of gravel, large stones in natural wood patterns. The gravel would represent miles of water surrounded the “magical” land that was represented by the larger stones. The gravel is raked every single day into thin, long and flowing lines. The idea is to pick a line and follow it all the way around the garden to increase your concentration while you meditate in the garden. Aside from meditating, monks would often drink tea around the spiritual, peaceful setting of the Zen gardens, which often reminded the monks of nature, as important in Shintoism. ===

=**Zen Buddhist and Shinto Architecture**=

=== As you can see, Buddhism and Shinto are two vastly different religions, as also seen in the religion inspired architecture. In Shinto architecture, you can see a simple designs on the outside. It is not decorative at all, with only a few statues of sacred objects or animals that adorn the exterior. On the inside, it is even more plain, with absolutely no decoration what so ever. However, Buddhist Architecture is completely different, being extravagant on the inside and outside, which is based off of Chinese Architecture. The interior of their temples are decorated with everything from paintings to statues to carpets and anything else you could imagine. ===

=**Conclusion**=

Despite the differences between these vastly different religions, they blended together to create a harmonious, culturally diverse society that respects nature and inner peace.
media type="custom" key="12659464" =**Citations**=