Buddhism and Shinto Explained: A Complicated History

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Watch Shinto: Episode 1 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p52ulomPlKumjMk

[@sonicrocks2007]

You should do panentheism ( not panthiesm), and letsism ( religious beliefs in Agnostics) next. Most people are unfamiliar with them.

[@TheSuperNaruto96]

Recently became a huge fan when i stummbled onto this Shinto series. Was wondering if you're playing on doing video/s in the near future on the concept of Dying and Rising Gods in ancient religions and other comparative myths to the Christ myth?

[@johann296]

Hey man fantastic video, it was very informative. I was wondering, do you cover ainu religion here as well?

[@Paulthored]

I'll be honest, I generally enjoyed the history lesson. I'm less than happy about the use of CE in labeling the BC/AD calendar system. Because it's literally just dismissing Christ, and thus being offensive to Christian/Messianic Jew's. And I see no Scientific reason to do so.

[@Batega_toh_Katega_Hindu_108]

More then 80% of Japanese Gods are Hindu Gods -- H. E. Mr. Yasukuini Enoki (former Ambassador of Japan)

[@Max0r]

This has become one of my favorite informative channels on KZbin

[@couldbesweet02]

What other informative channels do you like?

[@Maynard0504]

good presentation (dude seriously knows how to speak clearly with a good tempo), good writing without pointless meandering, straight to the point with no time wasted on explaining simple concepts already known by most people. it's beautiful to watch.

[@frozenlicks]

I agree..This channel is criminally underrated.

[@vltraviolence7640]

Ayo what are you doing here bruh

[@heterian97]

What is Max0r doing here? This is surreal

[@SanityVideo]

Buddhism has a tendency of mixing with local religion. Most kinds of buddhism are buddhism plus a previous local religion. In places like tibet there are a lot of layers of added tradition and I refuse to see that as some kind of corruption of an original fundamentalist ideal. Peoples needs are always changing and religion works better when it doesn't try to hammer people into a mold.

[@InhabitantOfOddworld]

Buddhism was born out of vedic/hindu spirituality anyway, so I can only see irony if someone pursues a "pure" buddhism without influence from eastern religions like sanatana dharma or shinto

[@SanityVideo]

@@InhabitantOfOddworld no modern religion didn't come from something earlier. Fundamentalism is always just picking a point in history and trying to stop time there.

[@InhabitantOfOddworld]

@@SanityVideo Indeed. Look at the effect of zoroastrianism on judaism. Greco-roman paganism on the catholic church. Germanic paganism on the protestant reformation. Etc.

[@mikesands4681]

Christianity did synchronization as well, but always with the final intention of eradicating the indigenous hierarchy and emerging with just window trappings.

[@peagames2002]

@@mikesands4681 Though that religion also saved some countries from "sacrificial" rituals. Finland's old religions before Sweden's invasion had tendency to please the gods by drowning human or animal in sinking swamp. Although their way of 'infecting' their religion to others, they perhaps might've helped the society from mental burden.

[@lilsaam]

It's a good day when religionforbreakfast uploads 🤗

[@leighhale1720]

Agreed.

[@woodlefoof2]

Most important meal of the day

[@lshulman58]

This combining of traditions in japan reminds me of how Catholic and African traditions combined in the Carribean to create Voodoo (though this became a more distinctive religion than any buddhist-shinto combination in Japan). Still, with Voodoo we see the Catholic saints associated with the Loa spirits of Voodoo much the way Buddhist bodhisattva were identified with shinto kami.

[@robertodecarvalho563]

Buddhism and Shintoism were manipulated according to the interests of the Japanese ruling classes. The Nichiren sect was supported by its patriotism, the Zen sect had enormous appeal to warriors of the Kamakura period for its characteristic of full obedience to Zen masters, etc

[@MadHatter42]

That's what I got as well. When he said that Yoshido Shinto "convinced" the Shogun to effectively ban Buddhism, it's more likely that the Shogun realized that this patriotic, fundamentalist form of Shinto was an effective way of taking back power from Buddhist monasteries. Which is really how most government-sanctioned religions work, right? It's just an ideological tool to consolidate power and control the masses.

[@robertodecarvalho563]

@@MadHatter42 Exactly. I think Shintoism was born out of the people's religion being adapted to the needs of the ruling classes. They wrote legends about the origin of the imperial government and added them to the Japanese people's religious beliefs and practices related to the Kami in order to guarantee the supremacy of the imperial dynasty.

[@user-in1yw9ty5t]

And thats how modern japan came to be. You need an alphamale like a president or legislature aka the nobility to take care of the nationtribecountry

[@nickscurvy8635]

This is something absolutely unprecedented and unheard of in the history of western culture and religion. What are you gonna tell me next? That the Japanese consumed water?

[@scepticsquirrel]

Why did you write something so butthurt? The topic is Religion in Japan, so comments are naturally about Buddhism-Shinto synthesis.@@nickscurvy8635

[@demianchoi655]

Would you mind going over traditional Korean Shamanism and it’s comparison with Mongolian, Chinese, and Japanese shamans? I’ve found them very unique, though information on them is pretty scarce.

[@mtksbctk]

Koreans are basically maritime mongols

[@LiquorWithJazz]

It was always so cool to see a 산신각 at a Buddhist temple. I always stooped to pay my respects to the 산신 on 지리산.

[@omggiiirl2077]

@@mtksbctk no we are not. Koreans are not Mongols. We don't eat dairy, we're not from a nomadic culture please educate yourself. We have more in common with Japanese and Chinese than Mongols. The only thing we have in common with Mongols is that we were dominated by them for a time. There are some vestiges upon our culture but but we are quite different. And genetically many indigenous Koreans share common haplotypes with Eskimo and Siberian groups and Manch people. I know this because I tested my ancestry and my Grandmothers ancestry shares common ancestry with Eskimo Inuit people even though she isn't, and no on in her family has never left her village until the Japanese occupation. Just because the other nations tend to be more famous or familiar doesn't mean we are a copy of them. We have our own distinct history and culture.

[@matilde_5]

@@omggiiirl2077 I think they were making a comparison, not saying you guys are Mongols, just that you kinda seem like them (?)

[@omggiiirl2077]

@@matilde_5 were dont even seem like like Mongols. Instead of comparing just appreciate our culture let it be that. Were not Mongols period.

[@elaiej]

I think 'chinese folk religion' could be an interesting topic too, kinda like that happened with shinto and buddhism in japan. And as an off-shoot of that, you could also look at 'na tuk kong'/datuk keramat as a blend of indigenous southeast asian elements with chinese folk religion.

[@nickp2582]

You’re really out here being brilliant and prolific. PLEASE keep this up. Your upload rate right now is perfect and the content is wonderful.

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Thanks! Yeah, Sept - October 2020 has witnessed weekly uploads for the first time in this channel's history. But let me tell you, it's exhausting. Might dip back to twice a month.

[@reveranttangent1771]

In old China, you went to Confusian for ethics Taoists for health and Buddhists for grief.

[@reveranttangent1771]

@@subhashishdey4010 makes sense. Some conservatives would describe Buddhism as a Vedic heresy.

[@damienhudson8028]

Love it :)

[@werewook]

Good video but I feel like you should have more clearly explained that Buddhism has multiple Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other beings since many people erroneously assume there is only one figure, being "the Buddha". Also probably should have mentioned that Buddhism has gods in the form of devas (天部 tenbu), which made syncretism with kami quite easy.

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Thanks for the feedback! You're right. I can try to address these in a future episode...and definitely once I launch a series on Buddhism itself.

[@cognitivedissonancecamp6326]

And Kami have syncretism with Ashim of Malkuth in Kabbalah - maybe even cherubim - the child like faces of temple deities makes one see a parallel.

[@brenorocha6687]

I think that's better to wait for the Buddhist series. That would be to much side information in the Shinto series. Also, it could give the misleading impression that that's a generic view of Buddhism, while other traditions in other countries have very different concepts.

[@Safarnama.26]

No Buddhism Don't have god There is only Tathagat Gautam Buddha And Major and Most superior in Buddhism andthere after Bodhisattva ! Sangh Member

[@Emymagdalena]

I know we’re doing Shintoism right now but I’d love a video on the divergence of Indian Buddhism and East Asian Buddhism

[@Hkligf10]

There's no such that east asian and Indian Buddhism is same

[@omarcillo060]

It's interesting, this reminds me of a friend, long time ago we spoke about different religions, he was baptized catholic, converted to buddhism, and not too long ago converted back to catholicism. I once asked him what buddhism was, can't remember his answer but this @religionforbreakfast reminded me of how some people's needs can be unsatisfied by one faith but enriched by another.

[@bojcio]

The thing with Buddhism is that it really isn't a religion. It's classified as such, but at its core its not based on faith, belief, ritual or ceremony. Its a practical approach to life and growth and requires an active, restrained and contemplative lifestyle. At its core it also says you and you alone can do something about your situation. There is no saviors or gods that can do things for you. I can see why your friend might not have taken kindly to it, it simply won't appeal to people who wish a more faith based, passive approach to life and belief.

[@erynn9968]

@@bojcio If teaching explains the afterlife, it IS a religion. No saviors or gods required. If there are no saviors or gods, it only means that this religion is not Abrahamic. But religion shouldn't be similar to Abrahamic religion 'to qualify'. There are thousands of them, all different.

[@Rolando_Cueva]

​@@bojcio It is a religion in Thailand, Tibet, etc. Very different from Buddhism in the West.

[@SunilMeena-do7xn]

​@@bojcio It may have started that way but it's no longer the case. Many vedic sects like Advaita vedanta and Upanishads focused on life teaching without relying on God, but Indian people still returned to gods, rituals and ceremonies. Ultimately people just want some hope in the name of God. Same is the case with most of Buddhist people who have developed some sort of rituals or ceremonies, often based on local traditions.

[@dexqce864]

Can you explain how to convert to Buddhism? Because I want to convert to Buddhism so badly. 😂

[@pedritodio1406]

I'm an atheist but with this channel i became more respectful for other religions. Great content.

[@jamiesmith4293]

Your comment caught my interest. By "other", do you mean "different" religions? Or do you mean religions other than atheism, as though atheism is a religion?

[@universesbiggestdouchebag8350]

So relatable, started with Christianity, Islamic, and now these.

[@m.i.c.h.o]

@@jamiesmith4293 Perhaps they used to be Christian or other and became ashiest, and still talk from a religious perspective.

[@kmlammto]

When I was in Japan in the early 90’s the saying was the Japanese were 90% Shinto, 80% Buddhist and 50% Christian. The explanation was Christian celebrate births and weddings, Shintos celebrate life and Buddhists were reborn.

[@23Lgirl]

no there are only 1%

[@faustinuskaryadi6610]

@NEXTしょう。。。 Actually Tradisional Japanese wedding is later made tradition during Meiji Restoration to rivaling Anglo Christian White Wedding.

[@keheliyawanasekara9254]

@@23Lgirl yes only 1% Christian

[@erynn9968]

Don't Shinto and Buddhism celebrate births and weddings? I'm sure they should have some traditions. There are many places where Buddhism is the only religion, so they have a way to celebrate it all.

[@AA-ux6gg]

Japan marriage style Christianity 47.8% Non religious 33.3% Shinto14.3% Buddhism1.2%

[@themugwump33]

When are we going to get the video “religious scholar reacts to anime about Jesus and Buddha as roommates”????

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

I am aware of this, but have never watched it. I'm inspired now.

[@poppingjapan9202]

100 percent down to do a Saint Young Men video XD especially with the new english translation with foreward by Dr. Jolyon Thomas!

[@N0rt4t3m]

Hmm I am interested

[@themugwump33]

Hell yeah!!! Can’t wait!!

[@ADeeSHUPA]

@@ReligionForBreakfast uP

[@theMoporter]

"Well, some say people in Japan are born Shinto and die Buddhist." You forgot "married Christian" (getting married in a church)!

[@TheOneCalledSloth]

Japanese rarely get married in real churches though

[@edoardoturco8780]

@@TheOneCalledSloth I had the pleasure of being the godfather of a Japanese groom, he wanted to get married in Italy and he asked to be baptized

[@goblinsdammit]

Yea they aren't churches, they're just wedding chapels. And the white dude dressed as a priest is most likely not an actual priest (I should know)

[@jrhermosura4600]

in my belief, people don't necessarily have to be christian to be inside churches. all you have to do is to be tolerant 😉 just like the buddhists and the shintos and you can be in any building.

[@edoardoturco8780]

@@jrhermosura4600 Yes, and no. Everyone is welcome inside a church, but to perform sacraments and receive them you ought to be baptised As for a mosque, if you were to perform a public pray, you have to be a certified Muslim

[@-1-alex-1-]

It's interesting how those historical stages similar to what happened in Tibet with Buddhism and local beliefs, the only difference being that they absolutely merged together, now Bon being basicly a branch of Buddhism.

[@goblinsdammit]

I've lived in Japan my whole life but didn't know a lot of this stuff. Mindblowing! Thanks for this.

[@goblinsdammit]

@King Cobra No, Zen originated in China so there's no reason to pay respect to Shinto.

[@goblinsdammit]

@King Cobra Peace!

[@tylerbeaumont]

Japan is a tri-faith nation. You’re Shinto when you’re young, but many people have a Christian wedding and celebrate Christmas, and it’s common to study Buddhist ideas especially in older age. When you have three different religious structures that don’t often conflict with each other co-existing in the same region, you get some really interesting results that really challenge our western perspective on what faith can be

[@erynn9968]

to have a Christmas wedding and celebrate Christmas is not really enough to be a Christian, don't you think?

[@ahmedcheikh7618]

​@erynn9968 tell me you didn't understand the comment without telling me you didn't understand the comment 😂

[@lenas6246]

@@ahmedcheikh7618 you read it, chrstianity is nowhere near the other two in terms of influence

[@D__Ujjwal]

They are Christian because they like western world aesthetic​@@erynn9968

[@Chareidos]

This relationship between Shinto and Buddhism reminds me of the dynamics between paganism and christianity but with different outcome. Many holidays within christianity are just changed pagan traditions, incorporated and assimilated over time.

[@themaximus144]

I didn't know how little I knew about japanese religion until I watched this video. Superb job.

[@poppingjapan9202]

Thank you! ^_^

[@danachos]

It is so interesting to see your hairstyle change over the course of this channel. I really enjoy seeing all your different looks, and I am curious how long that beard can grow to! Big pulling off of that nerdy, hot Jesus vibe! edit: and this series is seriously great! Thank you for doing this and putting in this work. It really shows how much you are passionate and care

[@DerMessiasderSatire]

Well.....this is interesting. I've been studying this history and religions for years now, but I'm sure I can still learn. Excited for this. Thanks, RfB!

[@merrittanimation7721]

"Born Shinto and die Buddhist" is an interesting dichotomy to me.

[@davidcheater4188]

And marry Christian.

[@chadliampearcy]

But I thought you become a god when you die.

[@heatth1474]

Sometimes "marry Christian" is added given the popularity of church (or other wise Christian-lie) marriage. To my understanding the relationship to the marriage ceremony in this case is a lot more secular which is probably why it wasn't mentioned in the video

[@SanityVideo]

@@chadliampearcy shinto doesn't have an afterlife and being reborn as a god isn't always seen as good in Buddhism. It's hard to get enlightened in that realm.

[@XiaosChannel]

a better translation would be "shinto serves the living and buddhist serves wehn youre dead"

[@comradejesus3022]

Really interesting video! That said, I think you maybe should’ve mentioned the fact that prior to shinbutsu-bunri, most major shrines (except for Ise grand shrine) had a temple in the shrine complex or in conjunction with it, and most temples had a shrine to their patron kami. More importantly, during shinbutsu-bunri, only shrine temples were attacked, so that today, almost no shrines have their original temple intact, but most temples still have their shrines. You made it pretty clear in the video that shinbutsu-bunri was really more of an attack on buddhism than a separation, but this fact really illustrates that and shows its modern consequences. It’s made me happy to hear that some shrines have started restoring and reopening their temples, but I’m pretty sure it’s still quite a small movement. This is a really complex topic, and I realize that the video would’ve been fifty hours long if you had included everything worth mentioning, but I think you managed to do a really good job within a reasonable amount of time. This is probably the best introduction to the relation between buddhism and shinto on the internet.

[@nirjalshahi4918]

In Nepal, in the Newar community it is common to see buddha and hindu shrines in the same temple. The religions have merged and live in harmony.

[@icedupwolf]

Im from a country called Guyana, and have Indian roots. I, my self grew up following aspects of both religions and they seem to integrate well.

[@grannykiminalaska]

Wonderful, I became a Zen Buddhist about 15 yrs ago. I joined because my autistic son took an interest in religion. I still meditate but haven't visited my local temple since we moved 7 years ago. It's not liken it was compulsory anyway.

[@Survivethejive]

The Japanese assertion of their own culture is so virile it commands respect. Kami worship persisting there is directly due to this spirit of independence and differentiation

[@Qce-i6d]

The belief in Kami is also why Japan has so many mascots.

[@cognitivedissonancecamp6326]

Nichiren Buddhism seems to be quite a wonderful gift to humanity. Tibet seems to be the origination of the metamorphosis of Bon to Buddhism proper and it would be a fascinating thing to learn your take on the comparison of Bon to Tibetan Buddhism in its many forms. Thanks

[@MeaningOfReligion]

Interesting and concise overview of the complex relationship of Buddhism and Shinto. Very good.

[@TykusBalrog]

So you're saying they're different But the same But different But the same

[@thethirdjegs]

the interview

[@octohex2908]

kami worshipper looks at religions and cultures through their perspective to make sense. shinto followers if thats what they are called in english would try to understand buddhism thru the veil of shintoism and studying independently from bias would still come to the same conclusion and understanding that buddhist gods are kamis and viceversa.

[@sudonim7552]

@@octohex2908 "Same same, but different."

[@octohex2908]

@@sudonim7552 yes buddhism came from the south west

[@sakura__star__dear9601]

As a Buddhist I respect every religion and that includes that even includes shintos all religions are OK as long as you respect other people

[@kunderemp]

Good videos. I heard there were rivalries between Taoism, Confusianism, and Buddhism in China in the past similar to rivalries between Buddhism and Shinto.

[@EatPrayAnime]

Yes! In most cases, it's all about power. 😏 My favorite example of the intersections in China is "Emperor Wu Zhao and Her Pantheon of Devis, Divinities, and Dynastic Mothers" by N. Harry Rothschild (2015). I couldn't put it down!--Kaitlyn, RFB Shinto series writer

[@ti2182]

"Which is your religion shinto or buddhism?" Japanese: Yes

[@matthewblackwelder6487]

Can you do one on Mormonism? Especially the folk magic practices in early mormonism.

[@aldrinpaulcarreon9983]

The upload time is usually morning in my timezone and so I watch this everytime I eat breakfast.

[@eomguel9017]

0:14 This in itself is a reflection of our Judeo-Christian background. Most Westerners are used to our expansionist, exclusionary religious tradition, which only accepts the own system of beliefs as valid and therefore no statistic of religious affiliation should admit anything larger than 100%. It has not always been this way in most of the world and just by considering this fact, it should come as no surprise that Buddhism and Shinto can coexist in a country, a community or even a person.

[@eomguel9017]

@Podcast - SørenCast Z with over 520 million believers, the only thing I'm edgy about is your 'veritable Buddhism' concept. Also, calling Judeo-Christian religions expansionist and exclusionary is not anti-western, it's just fact.

[@basedfacistman]

Judeo-Christian is an oxymoron

[@eccentricthought4511]

The kami has you in this world and the Buddha has you in the next

[@humanity600]

🔥🔥🔥

[@brunomicali684]

You could make series about people who live for religion, not just as believers but as priests, monks, nuns, pastors and any other denomination within religions

[@AaronGarton666]

This is an informative video, but at the heart of the story, these two religions share a simple truth. Buddhism answers some questions. Other religions, including Shinto, answer other questions. There is no material conflict. That is why there are Buddhist Jews, Buddhist Catholics, Buddhist Atheists -- and Buddhist Shintoists.

[@AnelSyangdan]

I'm Buddhist i belive in Buddhism way of truth ☸

[@MorpheusMoon]

I learn so much from you! Thank you for sharing your education with us all!

[@stvp68]

There’s a sequence in the Chinese classic Journey to the West in which the Emperor has a debate over whether Buddhism is contrary to Confucian values-like the Japanese emperor you mention, he wonders if he can endorse Buddhism as consonant with Chinese ideology

[@quadeevans6484]

I love that book especially for its critique on chinese bereaucracy

[@zhihanlim3500]

@@quadeevans6484 *bureaucracy

[@quadeevans6484]

@@zhihanlim3500 thank you i hate that word so much

[@stvp68]

@@quadeevans6484 Yay! Glad I’m not the only one who sees that. My students think I’m out of my mind when I suggest that.

[@quadeevans6484]

@@stvp68 hey keep in mind im just a seventeen year old so i dont know if this works but might i suggest talking to your students about the palace of heavens internal mechanics. Like when they encounter sun wukong the emporer is rightly scared, but instead of giving him meaningful tasks to do to channel his awesome power they, give him titles and move him around like the system in china at the time when it was being written. This leads to wukong being bored and unfufilled which leads to trouble,the reason buddhism worked was because it gave him a purpose besides living for the next day, another great example would be the pig man. He got kicked out of heaven for a misdemeanor but despite his sleazyness is actually a decent dude. Only through traveling with tripitaka and the gang does he(somewhat) overcomes his nature Whereas heaven kicked him out without any hope for rehabillitaton or regaining his honor. One of the reasons i love this novel, ugh i'm such a nerd >_

[@gospelofthomas77thpearl22]

Thank you for this very informative & visually engaging video. Interesting how the original teachings of Gautama Buddha were never about the after life - the Pali canon is very clear on this. As with the original teachings of Jesus, people created beliefs & rituals that are far from the intentions of the religions namesake. Buddha’s primary teaching of Paticcasamuppada (Dependent Origination) is actually the same teaching that Jesus presents in the Gospel of Thomas (Thomas 7) - this is explained on my channel.

[@maxaprettyboy6512]

Loving this Shinto series!

[@nikunjarya9641]

Will you please make a video on Japanese versions of Hindu Gods and Godesses. How did the Hindu Gods and Godesses reached Japan and how did their names changed. 🙏🤔

[@alangervasis]

Because Hindu Gods never reached Japan.

[@user-Void-Star]

Hindu gods are same as kami in Buddhism they are protector of the Dharma.

[@nikunjarya9641]

@@alangervasis That's your lack of knowledge, Hindu gods are worshipped in Japan, you can find so many articles on this subject. Infact there's a shrine in Japan that teaches Sanskrit in Siddham script which is totally dead in India.

[@Manoatevarua]

@@nikunjarya9641 That’s bodhisattvas not Hindu Gods. The only Indian influence Japan ever received was Buddhism.

[@sleepymonsteraddict]

Great video, I watched this to refresh my brain as I studied this for my exam, this perfectly summarizes it!

[@idtyu]

Buddhism blends well with local culture, because there's no fixed doctrine, and you are encouraged to question Buddha's words ; local religions tend to blend with Buddhism, and that's how we have beliefs like Chinese folk religion, and the Japanese shinto Buddhism dual model, but proper Buddhist sects are presented in these places (mostly mahayana) , and is somewhat ok with this, because we believe that is a way to get people get in touch with Buddhism, and maybe one day, that person will start to learn about the dharma.

[@tzufbb]

Prince Shōtoku, early proponent of Buddhism and instrumental in the defeat of the Mononobe Clan. Main article: Honji suijaku Main article: Shinbutsu kakuri

[@r.d.whitaker5787]

This is really fascinating. It makes sense that these religions serve people in a variety of ways ⛩️🌞

[@erichauser3042]

I also commented on episode 1. I've lived in Japan, on and off, for about two and a half decades now. Both episode 1, on Shinto, and this one are good. I would say that you quickly skipped over the politically motivated separation of the two religions that started in Meiji (or became mainstream in Meiji) and then picked up quickly during the early Showa era (prior to WWII), when Japanese nationalism was intent on distancing Japanese culture from Chinese and Korean influence. Also, as you mention, Buddhism was initially introduced by Koreans, but this is not well recognized in Japan, where people think that it was initially introduced by Chinese monks. In addition, you could point out that even in some major Buddhist temples, you can find Shinto shrines, such as in Kiyosumi-Dera in Kyoto. I really liked the bit about Hachiman and am hoping that you'll have more to say about him, because where I live in Tokyo is within the official precincts of a major Hachiman shrine. Finally, the full saying is that Japanese are born Shinto, marry Christian, and die Buddhist, which reflects the major division of business between the different religions. (Buddhism and Shinto both offer marriage services, but Christian marriage is the most popular. Ironically, or perhaps just interestingly, Japanese law doesn't recognize religious ceremonies for marriage as binding, so whether or not you have a religious service, you need to submit the proper documents to the local government office yourself.)

[@poppingjapan9202]

Hi there, RFB Shinto series writer Kaitlyn here! Thank you for your feedback! We feel that everything that happened in the Meiji and Showa periods is so complex that we would devote a whole episode to it. This Ep. 2 can be thought of as background to understand just how big of an impact the modern political changes had on the religious landscape in Japan. So keep an eye out for Ep. 3 in a few weeks and let us know what you think! ^_^ You're so right, Hachiman is a fascinating figure with a rich history. For a really excellent and thorough look at Hachiman in the medieval Japanese religious world, I highly recommend Bernard Faure's 2015 book "The Fluid Pantheon: Gods of Medieval Japan, Volume 1." Unfortunately it is one of those academic books that is quite expensive, but you can also find it elsewhere on the Internet... Another good one is "Buddhas and Kami in Japan: Honji Suijaku as a combinatory paradigm" by Mark Teeuwen and Fabio Rambelli (2003).

[@gavinyau3115]

Hi Dr Andrew, I’d like to see a video about the Bon religion of Tibet or your introspection of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism! Love your works!

[@rumrunner8019]

Pro-tip: *don't describe a Buddhist prayer-space as an "altar"* That implies a place of (animal) sacrifice and the Tathagata spoke out against such practices. Hence, they should be referred to as "shrines," and it's safer to call all Eastern religion points of veneration "shrines."

[@doranh6410]

Syncretic Chinese would have Taoist/folk religious offerings and ancestral tablets placed with Buddhist objects which technically makes it an altar

[@alangervasis]

Hinduism is an Eastern religon and it is embedded in animal sacrifice like goats and roosters at altar so cannot generalize...

[@moondust2365]

Really? My fellow Christians will let you know that the word altar does not imply that at all, unless you count blessing bread and wine plus giving donations to church (such as money, flowers, and food) as "sacrifice". "Offering" is a more accurate term with our altars, and that also seems to be the case with certain indigenous religions here in the Philippines...

[@alangervasis]

@@moondust2365 Well whatever interpretations you might give it here in india hindus do a wide variety of animal sacrifices or offerings...

[@moondust2365]

@@alangervasis True

[@paradisi2287]

Could you do a video on Japan trying to keep Christianity out? Or also the isolation period in general?

[@randolphfritz6163]

I think you need to talk about Confucianism influences on Japan. It’s part of this story too.

[@scruffymakaveli6870]

Yet to come across a KZbin video talking about the OG Indian Buddhism. From what I have read, Indian Buddhism and eastern Buddhism have jarring differences. Would love if you could cover that.

[@while.coyote]

This series is great!

[@williamlavalleyjr.8318]

I belong to Freemasonry, which is a fraternal order. It does not claim to be a religion, but it is often called a way of life. In Masonry, we are open to people of all religions, so like Shinto, it doesn't matter what you believe (as long as you are not an atheist). What matters is the shared rituals we perform. Also, we don't take a view of human nature as being flawed, but we look to self-improvement and harmony as the goals of our organization. So I would venture to say that we are somewhat like Shinto in general philosophy and also somewhat in practice.

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

Shinbutsu itself is cool but (as I think I've said in comments on this series so far) anyone really interested in this subject should read Occult Japan. It's both a charming (if a bit... "antiquated") look at shinto and a primary source on both the conflict and harmony between buddhism and shinto in late-19th-century Japan, through the eyes of a secularly aloof but reverent (of shinto- he seems less sympathetic toward buddhists in japan and considers them sycophantic toward westerners) american commentator.

[@suhani551]

Watching from India!! Great video!!🙏🙏

[@chef5588]

Sudden cut at the end to a fresh haircut. Really interesting to learn this bit of history and the dynamic between the two belief systems!

[@markjohnson543]

Excellent! Really precise and correct pronunciation of the various terms as well!

[@invokingvajras]

Buddhism has usually spread as a religion that embraced the traditions and pantheons of the societies it became associated with. The gods of India were already actively involved with the Buddha's ministry and became great protectors of the faith and its virtues. The attitude of extending compassion to all sentient beings is central to the Buddhist worldview, and as it so happens, deities are sentient beings. Nevertheless, it faces difficulties in societies with certain established notions of supremacy in their respective theologies, which is why Buddhism has struggled to become established in other societies. It would be interesting to see how the gods, spirits and folk creatures of the Norse, the Celts, the Greeks, and so on, would be drawn into the fold. It may also be worth considering Shintō as the Japanese counterpart to a potential whole that is a people's socio-cultural relationship and experience with their respective deities. This is reminiscent of how "Paganism" is used an umbrella term for various traditions, but Buddhism could potentially provide a unified amicability across ethnocultural theologies.

[@seadawg93]

I don’t know too much about non-Tibetan forms of Buddhism, but there are a lot of parallels here with Buddhism and Bön (although the politics where very different, so a lot doesn’t quite mesh too). There are many worldly spirits that are either bound by Buddhas, turned into non-enlightened protectors, or who have been revealed to be enlightened beings in drag. The Bön religion adopted many aspects of Buddhism, but also flipped the script by claiming that it was the original source for most Buddhist practices and even scriptures. I think the biggest difference is that Bön adopted so much from Buddhism (and vice versa, but less than most seem to think) that it is essentially the fifth major school of Buddhism and doesn’t really address a different area of life than Buddhism does.

[@anduril2695]

You should look at the spread of Buddhism specifically and how you can be both Buddhist and basically anything else.

[@m.i.c.h.o]

Gotta say your shelf is magnificent

[@ethancobbe-hoggan4451]

Love your videos man, truly fascinating stuff!

[@LordLebu]

Coming here from 'Kings and Generals' Iko Ikko Sohei monks video.

[@vampiradeathrockerbatxq762]

I love this video + your channel name. I'm so glad I found your channel this is the first I've ever seen, I hope you have videos about the German Anglo-Saxon religion/spiritual beliefs. Shintoism is so beautiful I started my Spiritual Path after growing up an studying Christianity with Shintoism, I cant wait to watch your video an learn more about it an your other videos about stuff I dont know may have missed or just like to relearn to information. I thought my Journey was going to end with Shibtoism an I would of loved to of been a Miko, but I ended up reading about a few Native American tribes, an then just moved on to learning about Norse, Celtic, Hindu, Taoism, Buddhism, I know how to move body with Qi Gong more than Qi Chi, Reiki, Kabbalah, old Egyptian, Vedic of Hinduism, the energy part of the Kamasutra, Voodoo and Hoodoo (more Haitian than Lousiana where my father's blood is from) I'm new to learning Obeah, a west African magick an Babalawo (Jamaican). I also was manly into after learning about Native American tribes an wanted something more stable for myself Wicca with their many different branches an mythologies an practices, I also got into studying more about Judaism beyond Kabbalah, Sacred Geometry an into more mythology an also the more orthodox and modern ways of the Jewish beliefs an traditions, along with opening up to learning more about Islam (I'd like to know more about the mythologies in their countries before islam ruled them an their practices), Christianity/Catholicism (I know they're different but I view them the same) Satanism and Luciferianism. I know I've learned an enjoyed practicing more beliefs and beliefs I'd like to look more into an learn ones I know NOTHING about an learn about their history an how it has influenced their Native land an around the world. I cant remember all the ones I know an want to know because it's 8am (which I dont see Satanism an Luciferianism as the same thing since most Satanist are Atheists, which I dont have a problem with I believe in Evolution, but I actually *now* More so Worship Satanic Deities now including Satan, Lucifer, Lilith, Baphomet, Azrael, Leviathan, ect.)

[@vampiradeathrockerbatxq762]

I forgot to add it's not like I was frantically searching to find my place an my religion, I was very open and loving to learn everything that came my way. Like for example even though i had left Christianity I was interested in the Book of Mormon to learn their culture an had one till it got lost. I just love learning about the world, an enjoy practicing in their traditions, even if their different, like Ramadan the past few years waking up to pray 5 times a day, not wating or drinking during certain hours, the 1st Ramadan I did a full 2 weeks I actually had bought a Hijab before I learned how dedicated you're suppose to be to the religion to wear a Hijab (I just wanted to cover up an be more conservative) I used to take a break from other religious studies to just focus on the english translations of the Quran. And I love Ramadan (weird to say as someone who mainly focuses on Lucifer) but it is an Amazing time to grow as person. I fully enjoy learning and practicing the best out of Religions/Spirituality that resonate with postive energy in them for me personally, an just not practice whatever I consider wrong or bad for my personal morals.

[@vishva8kumara]

Very similar to what is in Sri Lanka - except there is no name for that - but separate temples and mixed temples, and some Buddhist temples opposing any pagan connection. The line there is much blurred than in Japan.

[@dariejatasya2755]

Buddhism teaches peace and unity, not fear and separation like the abrahamic faiths spew

[@dariejatasya2755]

@Maxus Devasteitor Shakyamuni was a prince and he didn't run from his kingship, he was very fond of it actually. He was afraid of growing old and death scared him, very deeply so he gave his life to seek a remedy for his broken heart, his Shakya clan nor their kingdom was subsequently, destroyed because of his departure most likely his brother, acquired the throne afterwards.

[@dariejatasya2755]

@Maxus Devasteitor The Abrahamized holy roman empire where also known, to persecute minority religions such as jews and pagans, burning and torturing those who are blamed for witch craft as well.

[@truthseeker7759]

@Maxus Devasteitor At least Abrahamic kings took care of their land. Shipped out slaves for their lands, plundered, destroyed, desecrated the faiths beliefs of the lands they occupied. You have forgotten your barb a r i c history. It is time to get a l i f e!

[@stephaniebartsch4807]

Excellent, I have lived in Japan for many years.

[@ameliaolson7580]

I was under the impression that Buddhism is a method and/or a way of practice but not necessarily a religion, per se. Can you explain what makes it a religion in either the technical or practical sense and also why many scholars take the position that it is not a religion? Thank you.

[@rorschach3285]

that was intense. Incredible work!

[@dandiaz19934]

Phenomenal content! I can't congratulate you enough

[@poppingjapan9202]

Thank you! ^_^

[@patbrennan6572]

My favorite religion is no religion at all, and it takes so little of my time.

[@dknapp64]

I am interested in any influence that Zoroastrianiism had on Judaism during their captivity in Babylon. Do you have pland to do an episode on that?

[@Darisiabgal7573]

I am by no means an expert on these matters, but I have been to Asuka. Buddhism amongst the emperors family was growing during the period, this was done by the soba clan marrying into the emperors family and attempting to influence the religious feelings in that way. The clan you mentioned became upset and fought back. During the period Chinese culture and writing was extremely influential in Japan, as seen in ornately decorated Kofun in Asuka. But at the end of the period around 644 the Isshi incident resulted in the assasination and fleeing of the soba clan from the Emperial court leaving Emperor Tenji to create a nationalistic reformation of Japan and the movement of emperial functions to Nars. There is a Buddhist temple in Asuka, it’s one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist building in Japan. It was not specifically the religion that was under attack, it was the fact that foreign polities were trying to insidiously overthrow the government and the ways of Japan. China had tried this in the past and would try one more time under the khanate. To understand the system you have already addressed the Uji, kami that were favored by individual clans, now kami are favored by cities rather than clans. But the kami connect the people to nature, and in its way is kind of a spiritual beauty that is foreign to western religion. In Japan the temples use less of the brilliant primary colors seen in Asia and focus more on Earth tones, they tend to be hidden within green locations and there is a strong reverence for nature. But to say only that Buddhism influenced Shintoism is also not correct. The Eheime temple, I believe the primary center for Zen Buddhism in Japan represents large austere buildings that blend into the mountains. There is little accommodation for the students. In Shikoku you also have the Eighty Eight temple walk, which is basically a polite way of telling the world you are ready to die, so bug off. The journey is through some of the most spectacular landscape in Japan. And if you manage to survive the eighty eight temple walk, you’ll be healthier than just about everyone else, but if your new found health does not suit you then the last temple is a famous place to jump off into the afterlife ( the authorities have judiciously roped off). If I am lucky in my old age I will be blessed to make the trip. It’s not about the religion, it’s about the experience which basically the kami connect the people to the land through natural spirituality. In addition, Japanese I have found largely practice good ole fashioned ancestral worship, not of the near eastern kind, but smallish shrines in the home dedicated to venerated ancestors with effigies and articles. In birth one maybe Shinto, in marriage Christian and in death Buddhist, but the shrine one prays at daily is ancestral in nature.

[@atsukorichards1675]

Soba clan?

[@TempleofBrendaSong]

Hail Amaterasu, whose fiery fury could scorch the world into oblivion

[@sidhantkamble5191]

Buddhism is a only religion in the world which has blend with every culture and religion. Buddhism has a beautiful relation with greek, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mongol, and all the Asian countries. In fact when sir the great Alexander die his grandson king millinder converted into Buddhism, king millinder was a founder of Greco-Buddhism in Afghanistan you can find ancient Buddhist sculptures were Zeus, Hercules, Athena and other greek god protecting Buddha. Its a religion of philosopher 🙏🏻. Proud to be Buddhist, stay healthy stay safe.

[@floptaxie68]

That’s what I love about Buddhism

[@ดีดีมาก-ญ2ฅ]

@@floptaxie68 omg jiafei flop queen what are you doing here.

[@floptaxie68]

@@ดีดีมาก-ญ2ฅ spreading the Dharma💋

[@lamisuegra]

Isn't there a similar situation with Buddhism and Hinduism in Nepal?

[@manurr10]

In indian subcontinent, Buddhism has been absorbed in Hinduism.

[@arijitpalit2756]

We have both Buddha and Hindu god statues in my house. Buddha's original name Siddharth is common name that is still used. Some consider Buddha as one of the reformers of Hinduism, but there are differences in their philosophy tho. Buddha purnima(birth anniversary of Buddha) is celebrated in Hindu households too. So, a hindu might not take his/her philosophical teachings from Buddha and strictly follow buddhism but Buddha himself is very much well respected by the Hindus. Some hindus(not Buddhists) also consider Buddha as 9th avatar of Vishnu.

[@mrmoth26]

And then I was like Bro, do you even religious studies?

[@IkeOkerekeNews]

I don't get it

[@mrmoth26]

@@IkeOkerekeNews Do you know the bro, do you even science meme?

[@thememe986]

I wouldn't major in it but religion is a fascinating topic

[@CaptiveReefSystems]

7:30 Now THAT is hat! 👏😮

[@losttribe3001]

Thanks for this series! I’ve ordered my copy of Zen at War by Victoria and am looking at reading it this winter. Have you read it?

[@poppingjapan9202]

Hi there, RFB Shinto series writer Kaitlyn here! Yes I've read "Zen at War," I often assign it when taking a closer look at how different religious organizations in Japan engaged with nationalism and militarism. State Shinto tends to dominate the conversation (we cover it in Ep. 3!), so "Zen at War" offers some great comparisons and counterpoints. Hope you enjoy!

[@losttribe3001]

@@poppingjapan9202 Thank you! I’m truly enjoying this series. As a youngster, I lived in Micronesia (this was the 80’s and early 90s) and there was a Japanese influence. I came across a teachings of Buddha book at that fine and threw myself into learning a lot about Buddhism; Zen in particular. I even found an early edition of Janwillem van de Wetering’s The Empty Mirror. I know it’s a deep dive, but that’s an interesting book in of itself. But there were also the remnants of WWII. In the 80’s, there were still Japanese tanks to play on and giant cannons in bunkers. (I haven’t been back since 1992 so I’m not sure they are still there). So it was interesting to learn that there is a Buddhism and Shinto influence that, directly or indirectly, engrained into the imperial Japanese approach to WWII. So, once again, thanks for the good work on this!

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

What denomination of Buddhism is most prevalent in Japan? I know there are at least two home grown types (Zen and nigiren-shoshu), but do most Japanese practice Zen or something else?

[@poppingjapan9202]

Hi there, RFB Shinto series co-writer Kaitlyn here! @el malakh feo is correct, Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land Buddhism) is generally considered to be the most widely practiced Buddhist school in contemporary Japan. :)

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

@@poppingjapan9202 Is Jodo Shinshu the same as Amida? Thank you for getting back to me so quickly.

[@poppingjapan9202]

@@fabrisseterbrugghe8567 Yes you're correct, the Buddha Amitabha (often shortened as Amida in Japanese) is central for schools of Pure Land Buddhism, including Jodo Shinshu. :)

[@pinkfloydguy7781]

@Podcast - SørenCast Z I think most westerners perceive Zen as being the primary Buddhism of Japan

[@schlaackmusic]

Fascinating as always!

[@fightronin3753]

Both are great and old religions!!!!

[@EdgarVerona]

Great channel! I would love to see information about how Goshuin came about, and how it ended up being something provided by both Buddhist and Shinto religious locations.

[@poppingjapan9202]

Hi there, RFB Shinto series writer Kaitlyn here! That would be a cool video! Can I share with you a super neat Augmented Reality goshuin app? It's from Momijiyama Hachimangu kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKulan6kesmlq7c&t

[@EdgarVerona]

@@poppingjapan9202 awesome, thank you for that link! Yeah, I would love to see that, and I bet people would get a kick out of it!

[@no42arak-st-floor44]

Thank yooooouuuu for the clarification!

[@padmeteratai3658]

Kami is the same as Chinese indigenous gods known as 神 or shen/shin. Same concept like guanyu and other deities except the Chinese ones was at a time influenced by Indian imagery and architechture whereas the Japanese only has Chinese influence.

[@sophiaangelini4368]

Concentrated discussion. Will subscribe and hope for more.

[@DamienZshadow]

I knew there was some syncretism but I never knew there was so much conflict.

[@geoantony456]

Please do a video on orgin of sanadana dharmam and it's impact on South Indian local gods.

[@callmeandoru2627]

Here in Viet Nam we also have our own weirdly mixed form of Buddism, the local belives and dieties, and political influences.

[@taintedtaylor2586]

You should do a video on Zen Buddhism

[@rachel_sj]

“The year is now 593. The new prince wants everyone to try this hot new religion from Baekje. PRINCE SHŌTOKU: ‘Please try this religion...’ he said. JAPANESE: ‘No!’ ...said everybody. PRINCE SHŌTOKU: ‘Try it...’ he said. JAPANESE: ‘No...’ said everybody again, quieter this time The year is now 604. And so, the religion was put into place and all the rules that came with it.”

[@poppingjapan9202]

Hi RFB Shinto co-writer Kaitlyn here! I love this quote from the "History of Japan" video so much, thanks for sharing it X'D

[@InhabitantOfOddworld]

*Bill Wurtz-Posting Intensifies*

[@rachel_sj]

@@poppingjapan9202 I know the History of Japan video is somewhat inaccurate but, as someone who loves Japan, its history, and culture, I find it hilarious as a summary. Keep up the good work too, I’m really enjoying this series and all you do!!

[@poppingjapan9202]

@@rachel_sj Thank you, that means a lot! Honestly Bill Wurtz’s viral video has done so much work to get people interested in Japan and learning more about it, i can’t be mad at it! Like people never casually mention Kukai to me before, that’s huge! I frequently quote it in class and to colleagues, its so funny ^_^

[@mwatts-riley2688]

Will you please do a video about Noahide as a movement of orthodox Judaism v Modern Noahide, mainly in America, with no connection to orthodox Jews, but a new movement on the rise with 20s- 30s somethings that don't want to be affiliated with a set religion but still seek an easy going spiritual life with a DO.able life code. ??

[@Pokemaster-wg9gx]

You gotta love how this guy just casually skimmed over the soga clan using military force to coerce the court into accepting buddhism, Linfamy is a channel specialized on Japanese history and religion that i would consider a much better choice but this series is a good starting point even if it is full of holes

[@AdventClippah]

Like my Japanese friend said "Japanese are born Shinto, married with Christian manner, and died with Buddhist ritual".