There are currently 80,000 temples which are said to have been 130,000 in the Edo period, but it is said that it will further decrease to 50,000. Also, due to the development of the funeral industry, so-called funeral Buddhism is also disappearing. Mental issues have become the role of psychiatrists and counselors. Please tell me the future of Japanese Buddhism.
Hello, I had a relationship again.
I would like to share my impressions.
The reason why the number of temples decreased from the Edo period to the present day is due in part to the abolition of Buddhism due to the policies of the Meiji government. There is one severe form of oppression that is unimaginable now. Also, due to depopulation and population concentration in urban areas, it became difficult to maintain local temples. Fundamental solutions to this depopulation are probably difficult. This is because more and more jobs are being created in rural areas, and the problem cannot be solved without an increase in population.
There is probably an aspect where “mental problems have become the role of psychiatrists and counselors.” I also studied psychology at university because I felt that trend. Certainly, “mental problems” in the sense of advanced specialized treatment, such as mental problems that require medication, will be the domain of people in that field.
However, in reality, there are many variations in the questions asked to Hasunoha, and the details of those consultations are also “mental issues.” There are also perspectives on these issues from the specialized standpoint described above, and I don't think they can be addressed without perspectives from various angles such as Buddhism, law, economic ideas, literature, and culture. Also, since there is such demand, this Hasunoha has probably been established. If you have trouble with your daily life, I don't think it's a psychiatrist or psychological counseling room first, but how about it? In this sense, I think there are still more roles for temples and monks from long ago.
I think there is plenty of room for growth in the possibility of Buddhism, which takes that consultation, and fundamentally looks at the way people live while building relationships, and the possibilities of temples.
I heard that Buri is a former monk, what do you think? I would be happy if you could listen to it.
I read it.
I think temples, or rather the teachings of Buddhism, will continue to be needed by many people, society, and the world.
I think it will be sought by many people as a way or teaching to be saved from hesitation, worry, and suffering.
You've probably heard the term “SDGs,” but it's the future state and direction of the world as determined by the United Nations. It means “sustainable development goals,” but the most important thing is that there is an amazing goal of “leaving no one behind.” I'd like you to look up the details, but if you read it carefully, the goal is the Buddhist idea of self-interest and other things, in other words, coexistence with everything.
It's also in my friends' blog posts.
http://bvld.jugem.jp/?eid=22
If you only look at temples, you will inevitably prioritize immediate survival, but if you look ahead from this perspective, for example, I think it will really be needed in the future.
I don't know what to do right now, but I think the possibilities for what is required and what can be done will expand, including ways of thinking, values, and directions other than this.
That's because so many people really want to be sought out of suffering and live a happy life with peace of mind.
There are things you can do, and there are things I can do from now on.
It's all about being a place to learn and practice the techniques and teachings that Buddha understood.
Life was overthrown by the fact that life was painful, and it was Buddha who discovered how to escape from that suffering, how to overcome suffering.
Unfortunately, that teaching has been forgotten or no longer practiced in current temples. In Japanese temples in particular, there are many ceremonial elements such as memorial services, etc., and they are not directly linked to suffering or pleasure.
Japanese Buddhism is centered around Mahayana Buddhism, and I think Theravada Buddhism meditation, which is a technique where the Buddha was enlightened, should be incorporated into it.
The need for religion
It has been reviewed again.
Along with that
Like a “clinical religious teacher”
It's not law enforcement (missionary work) or financial aid (financial support)
Specialized only in Fearless Practice (Sukku Yoraku)
Religious activities are called for.
Originally for fearless
Since both law enforcement and financial administration were being carried out
It just went back to its original form.
Until now
The role that was required of the temple
Because the monks despised it
That role has been transferred to the funeral industry and medical field.
Which monk realized the role of temples in the future
It's already starting to work.