Religion is a vast hole with endless conceptions concerning the purpose for existence, as well as moral principles for how individuals should live their lives. In Japanese culture, religion is sacred and vital—displaying endless temples and shrines for praying, donating, and ceremonies, yet, the modern lifestyle and urbanization in Japan continues to emerge. This highlights the notion of how people can adjust towards contemporary ideals and newly-found social orders, but continue to maintain ancient beliefs and teachings like Buddhism. Roughly, 80% of the Japanese population practices either Shintoism or Buddhism, although only a small percentage identify themselves to the religions. This paper will focus on Buddhism reflectingthe culture and
…show more content…
Enlightenment is an insight on spiritual truth and freedom release, which can take a person to Nirvana— the goal. The act of enlightenment is uncommon to Western ideologies like Christianity, though in Japan, it is well known and something that can be achievable. Practicing Buddhist teachings, like finding enlightenment, is for personal growth, which is a possible reason as to why Japanese individuals do not fully identify themselves as religious. It should not be viewed as a set label, but a custom value. There is no need to identify with Buddhism; Buddhism is a pastoral-like religion. An ancestral religion, and now portrayed as something to …show more content…
Of course, in Buddhism, the way to end one’s suffering is by being detached from the Self. The stage to reach ultimate consciousness, even though individuality is necessary for people to feel satisfied, maintain originality, and be unique in their society. Christine Valentine considers another cause for Japanese not identifying in “The Role of the Ancestral Tradition in Bereavement in Contemporary Japanese Society.” Valentine states, in a culture of social conformity, it illustrates the diverse acts of how people negotiate a shared tradition like Buddhism or Shintoism in a contemporary context (275). Religion feels restrictive to not just Japanese, but cultures around the world. Japan is shaping their culture to a modern lifestyle by not attaching to religion, and keeping it purely as one’s own principles. On the contrary, can the teachings in Buddhism stay plausible and sacred if it is seen as a conformity as Valentine
Enlightenment is an insight on spiritual truth and freedom release, which can take a person to Nirvana— the goal. The act of enlightenment is uncommon to Western ideologies like Christianity, though in Japan, it is well known and something that can be achievable. Practicing Buddhist teachings, like finding enlightenment, is for personal growth, which is a possible reason as to why Japanese individuals do not fully identify themselves as religious. It should not be viewed as a set label, but a custom value. There is no need to identify with Buddhism; Buddhism is a pastoral-like religion. An ancestral religion, and now portrayed as something to …show more content…
Of course, in Buddhism, the way to end one’s suffering is by being detached from the Self. The stage to reach ultimate consciousness, even though individuality is necessary for people to feel satisfied, maintain originality, and be unique in their society. Christine Valentine considers another cause for Japanese not identifying in “The Role of the Ancestral Tradition in Bereavement in Contemporary Japanese Society.” Valentine states, in a culture of social conformity, it illustrates the diverse acts of how people negotiate a shared tradition like Buddhism or Shintoism in a contemporary context (275). Religion feels restrictive to not just Japanese, but cultures around the world. Japan is shaping their culture to a modern lifestyle by not attaching to religion, and keeping it purely as one’s own principles. On the contrary, can the teachings in Buddhism stay plausible and sacred if it is seen as a conformity as Valentine