Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Shintoism & Buddhism in Japan. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 12 page informational paper which examines Shintoism and Buddhism in Japan, including the historical background of each, individual beliefs and practices, as well as a
consideration of the similarities and differences of each. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Page Count:
12 pages (~225 words per page)
File: TG15_TGshibud.doc
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
it retains its own unique identity, separate and distinct from other nations, whether they be East or West. A greater understanding of the Japanese character can be attained through
a consideration of its two historically-dominant religions -- Shintoism and Buddhism. The Japanese religious tradition is complex and has often been regarded as contradictory by the Westerner, who cannot
begin to understand the important link of history and ritual, which continues to influence contemporary Japan (Watt 21). I. Historical Background: Origins of Shintoism & Japanese Buddhism The
earliest Japanese religion is the indigenous Shinto, and although historians have been unable to pinpoint its exact date of origin, it is believed to date back to the first century
B.C. (Watt 21) It existed, for approximately 1,500 years as a regional blend of nature worship, fertility worship, hero worship and shamanism (the belief that good or evil originated from
the local medicine man or priest) (Watt 21). Interestingly, this oldest of Japanese religions had no name until around the sixth century, A.D., and was dubbed Shinto (meaning "way
of the Gods") to distinguish it from other religions becoming prominent in Japan during that time. Two of the most important Chinese contributions to Japanese religion came in the form
of Confucianism and Buddhism. Unlike the primitivism of Shinto, the Chinese religious practices were far more sophisticated, which explains their immediate popular appeal (Watt 21). Buddhism made its
way to Japan in 577 A.D., when a group of monks and artisans traveled there from Korea with religious scriptures and Buddhist artwork (Muller hisdev.htm). For the next few
hundred years, Japanese Buddhism had a heavy Korean influence, and it was not until the eighth or ninth centuries when it became more Japanese (Muller hisdev.htm). Like China, Japan
...