Early Japanese Buddhism
Objective
Students will know one fact about the First 6 sects of Buddhism in Japan
Materials
Worksheet
Worksheet - Answers
Vinaya Sheet
Abhidharma Sheet
Metaphysics Sheet
Method
1. Review of forms of Buddhism so far
Theravada
Mahayana (Madhyamaka, Abhidarma, Yogacara)
Vajrayana (Tibetan)
Chinese (Ch’an, Pure Land)
Korean (Samnon-Madhyamaka, Gyeyeol-Vinaya, Yeolban-Nirvana Sutra)
2. What are Japanese like culturally?
Shinto is the indigenous religion. Belief in spirits in everything. Gods = Spirits
“Uncleanliness” is the worst thing; must be avoided at all costs.
Clan/family based. Society is fluid except for the aristocracy. Very few read & write.
Even the imperial family does not for most part until later.
Caste based. No middle class. Merchant class is considered very low.
Guess what forms of Buddhism took hold?
2. Lecture with worksheet.
Have students fill in the worksheet
3. Discussion
Why do you think this happened?
4. Practices
Ritsu - Vinaya - Read the rules on the Vinaya Sheet and rewrite 5 rules in common English words.
Jojitsu - Emptiness - Explain emptiness. Give an example.
Kusha - Abhidharma - Read the Abhidharma Sheet
Sanron - Middle Way - Give an example.
Hosso - Yoga - Stretching & Breathing & Meditation
Kegon - Meta physics - Read the Metaphysics Sheet
5. Review/Summarize
Ask which would appeal to you? Why?
Evaluation
During the Discussions and Review
Note
n/a
Author
Mas Nishimura, nish221.at.gmail.dot.com, San Jose Betsuin, 2018