y Buddhism z
Buddhism reached Japan in the 6th century via China and Korea. Until the 12th
century Buddhism was the religion of the aristocracy alone. But since the 13th
century, Buddhism has been popular among common people, and the principal religion of
the Japanese people.
There is no god in Buddhism. Its emphasis is on ridding oneself of hate and
jealousy through infinite love.
Buddhism is a major presence in the life of Japanese people. Even if they are
not believers, they go to temples. After death they are buried according to Buddhist
rites and given posthumous Buddhist names. Buddhism has a great influence on every
aspect of Japanese culture, including art, literature, architecture, morality and
thought.
In the old days, people lived in simple
houses. Some people think that the
splendid big temples were built in order
to overwhelm the common people.
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