What is Japanese Buddhism?

As you said, modern Japanese Buddhism is in a tight spot.
I don't think there are many true believers, let alone believers in the parishioners.
It makes me sad that there are so many monks who just recite sutras without knowing what is explained in the sutras.

However, there are also monks that are not the case.
There are also monks who love the religion they believe in and are active as monks hoping to recommend them to as many people as possible.

I love the Jodo Shinshu sect.
I know the Buddha's words in the sutras, and I also know the words of Shinran Shonin in Shinran Shonin's books, and I sincerely feel grateful for nenbutsu.

I wanted to proselytize so that it could reach Sukenoji.
Thank you very much.

Postscript:
I was exactly like Sukenoji.
But I don't know why, but now I'm celebrating the law of Amida Nyorai.
It's really strange.
If you make it a question of “believable” or “unbelievable,” you'll get addicted to it.
The Jodo Shinshu sect is called “hearing, then believing,” and listening directly translates into devotion.
By all means, I would like you to create an opportunity to listen to the Jodo Shinshu puja (^^)

Since there is no hope for Japan today, they seek living light in Buddhism.
Are Japanese people so powerless?
We experienced the two major earthquakes that occurred in recent years, but even so, the Japanese have made great recovery and are showing their strength for reconstruction.
Right now, we Japanese have been hit by the Kumamoto Oita earthquake. Everyone in the disaster-stricken areas, the country, and all Japanese people are working together for reconstruction. Japanese people have the strength to do it.

The following is explained in the sutra called Hokke Sutra called Jukji Gudushan.
“An immeasurable bodhisattva has appeared from the earth”
At the end of Shakyamuni's death, Bodhisattvas from other worlds ask Shakyamuni to spread the Lotus Sutra in the world.
However, Shakyamuni declined the offer.
The reason for this is that there are countless Bodhisattvas in this Shaba world who were taught a long time ago, and these Bodhisattvas spread the Lotus Sutra.
After those words, an innumerable number of Bodhisattvas appear from the ground breaking up.
We are Japanese, the Bodhisattva of the Earth Surge.
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the Kumamoto Oita Earthquake. The ground shook and the ground split.
But what about it. There aren't countless Japanese people there who support, forgive, and help each other.
Exactly, the Bosatsu of the Earth appeared.
We are the Bodhisattvas described in the Lotus Sutra.
We Japanese are the Great Bosatsu, whose strength was recognized by Shakyamuni.

It's not enough to abandon the world.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Sukenoji. I saw your consultation. I am a Jodo Shinshu monk. I'm sorry we didn't meet your expectations.
Now, even if you are discouraged by the political situation in Japan and find a way into Buddhism, it cannot be said that it is true Buddhism if it is a step aimed only at one's own salvation.
The goal of Buddhism in any denomination is attaining Buddhism (becoming a Buddha). The basic attitude of those who become Buddha (those who have awakened to the truth) in fellowship with others is probably a state of harmony between self-interest and altruism.
Self-interest is when one opens Satori and becomes a Buddha, and altruism brings others to Satori. In other words, when it comes to saving, they are not separate things; they are the salvation of other lives as they are, and they are filled without gaps.
Fellowship with others is not limited to human relationships, but also relationships with society. I'm Noji Suke, still young and passionate about research. From now on, I am thinking that I will walk through true Buddhism and become a Buddhist disciple who will interact with society.
As Mr. Suke Noji said, I also feel that society is limited by the current capitalist system where the economy is paramount.
In the words of former President Mujica who was known as “the poorest president in the world”
“We weren't born to develop. I came to this earth to be happy.”
There is such a thing. I don't think it's wrong to say that true Buddhism aims for true happiness. I don't think the Jodo Shinshu has strayed from that path.
Whether Sukenoji believes it or not, there is truth in this world. The truth is always at work for us. This truth is called Namu Amitabha Buddha.

appending
In this answer, “truth” refers to Buddha Shakyamuni's Satori. The truth was not created by Shakyamuni, and since it existed even before Shakyamuni, I think Shakyamuni awoke to it. It is expressed in terms of “middle path,” “fortune,” and “four charms,” etc., but it is probably something truly mysterious that we ordinary people cannot think about.
However, that doesn't mean we can't touch the “truth” at all, and I think we can touch it in the form of “being aware that we are disobeying the truth” by being illuminated by the law.
Sorry, there is a character limit and I can't answer enough.

To Sukenoji-san. Hello.
You're pessimistic about reality, and you're struggling to find it in Buddhism. That's great.
The only thing that's unfortunate is that I can't see your passion to overcome the problem.

Nobody knows that the future will be successful. However, everyone believed in the path they chose, risked their lives to fight real problems, and changed for the better even a little bit. Japan's current democratic and capitalist system is also the result of many efforts and sacrifices of lives. As you said, it's still not enough, so next we have to risk our lives and change even a little bit and entrust it to the next future.

I think today's Japan is the same as it was in the Kamakura period. Similar to the Kamakura period, earthquakes occurred frequently, and many deaths have occurred. Seeing this reality, I am convinced that many new monks and people will emerge from now on, just like in the Kamakura period. The current Kamakura Buddhist sect was also an emerging religion at the time.

Even after the Kumamoto earthquake, many people have stood up and are on their way to relief. Is Sukenoji standing up? If you've found salvation in Buddhism, why don't you jump in without fear of failure. Why do you entrust your life choices to Japanese Buddhist monks who criticize you when you tell me the sect where you learn because you're afraid if you're not saved?

When I was in high school, I was moved by Nichiren Shonin's “Rissho Angoku Ron,” so I quit my job and went to college to study Buddhism. I earned all of my tuition fees as a newspaper scholarship student and graduated from university. I despaired of the reality of a depraved monk student who played around and never studied even though my parents paid for college, so I entered a new religion. Then he was led by a mentor and monk of the Tendai sect and became a monk I didn't like.

Then, when I entered this world, I learned about my narrow field of view and my lack of understanding of Japanese Buddhism. Even now, on Mt. Hiei, there are monks who risk their lives to practice, such as the Thousand-Day Summit Trip and the 12th Kageyama Tour. I also learned that there are many monks who practice silently and steadily to avoid being known to others. Moreover, they simply believe in the Buddha and perform ascetic practices where they don't know if the answer will come out. You can teach the next people that even if you take the wrong path for the rest of your life, this path is a mistake.

Don't be afraid of an invisible future, Mr. Sukenoji. You just have to believe in your choices and execute them. You're still young. Please take good care of your time now to improve yourself.

Gassho

　There will be good things left in the world, and bad things will disappear. As for the future of Japan's politics, economy, and culture, and the future of the democracy/capitalist system, if it is really bad, it will disappear, so let's take a look at what will happen. To that end, you should take a proper look at politics and vote properly.

Whether it's “Japanese Buddhism” or “world Buddhism,” I think all Buddhism aims for the same purpose.
However, if you compare it to mountain climbing, I think it's just the difference between which route you go through and what to do with your equipment when aiming for the same summit.
So feel free to choose. However, it's better not to have an affair along the way. Once you've decided on this one, the quicker way is to go with it alone. It's mountain climbing, isn't it? If you do something like this route on the way, after all, with this equipment, etc., you'll take a detour.
If your family temple is the Jodo Shinshu sect, I think it's best to go to the Jodo Shinshu sect. It seems like you're not familiar with the teachings so far, but if you're interested in “Shoisho,” let's dive deeper into Shoisho for now. Why Amida Nyorai? I mean. I'm not a Jodo Shinshu, so I'm not sure, but people in the Jodo sect and the Jodo Shinshu use the phrase “leave it up to you” rather than “believe” Amida Nyorai (I'm sorry if it's different m (__) m). What is “I'll leave it up to you”? Please explore various things. I'm sure you'll love it.

　You're saying something quite provocative. As far as you can read the questions, it seems like you have studied sociology a lot and are able to read literature. I salute you.

However, I dare say that he is a mediocre chief priest who was born as a temple and protects the temple and lives in the midst of old evil from your point of view. After all, you are in a “one-and-a-half-understanding” world. Walk a little more on your own feet and take a look at religious sites.

Judging from your academic knowledge, there are many monks who are subject to criticism. There may also be many temples that can't be helped. However, while being aware of their own mediocrity, there are also many monks who are searching for a “way of Japanese Buddhism” in modern Japanese society. Of course, we must also take firm measures to respond to your criticism. You also said, “I've stepped on this many sites, done this much fieldwork, and built up my own research results on top of conventional research results.” Please show me achievements that can be said i.

appending
I am thankful that you chose Buddhism. However, at the moment, I feel that what you are looking for in Buddhism is Buddhism as something that satisfies your desire for knowledge, and Buddhism as something that adorns you. I feel that both Terawada and Zen are interested in it as an accessory to decorate you. You probably won't be convinced by this sentence, so let's knock on the gate of the Therawada Association or Zen Dojo.
Then one more thing. If you're studying sociology, I want you to know exactly what people live by faith. I don't know Yajimachi Masamichi or Rokuhara Mitsu, but there are many people who say, “Thanks to you,” and join hands with the principal image, ancestors, and Otendo-sama. Even without knowledge, people who live their beliefs as Buddhists have supported Japanese Buddhism and supported Japanese society.

We are now in an age where we are allowed to think freely, act freely, and express ourselves freely. It's getting better and better. I believe this century is not an age of goods, but an age of the mind. I believe that an era will arrive where individuals (souls) are freed and saved. Next, it is said that Japanese Buddhism has lost its centripetal power, but I think social necessity will increase more and more from now on. Funeral In the Buddhist sense, it may decline, but my idea is that it will leave the spell of having to belong to a family sect and play its original role more and more in terms of the state of mind and saving the soul. It's the Buddhist Renaissance, so to speak. Since it is such an age, new religions have flourished, so it is strange to attribute everything to traditional Buddhism. The Buddha's teachings are counterfeit sermons. It's about choosing. It's not about which one is right, but what is right for me? It's a good story if you choose to choose clothes. I'm hesitating over failure due to pitiful things. If it fails, you should replace it. After more than 30 years of numerous ascetic practices, I have come to be deeply attached to the teachings of Honen Shonin and Shinran Shonin. It is based on a strong belief that Amida can't help but save my foolish self. Even though that's all, the Jodo Shinshu is a huge thank you. Whether you choose Zen or Theravada Buddhism, it's up to you. So, even if you fail and don't get success, it's your cause and effect in this world, and it's not a problem here. You should really aim for Arakan. This is a place for people who are struggling and suffering in their lives to seek advice. I'm a powerless fool, but I look at myself like that, squeeze out wisdom that falls short of what I can, and give advice even if it's presumptuous. Faith is not a theory; it is a belief. I would like you to go back to the starting point once again.
P.S. After all, it's as if foolishness comes down to faith. On top of this, there is a saying, even if they take Nembutsu and believe in it, it's everyone's plan. There's no way they have the eyesight to try right and wrong. I look back on myself, who seems to be preaching in relationships with people. If I were to be myself, I would stick to Mida. Even if you think about it with your head, it's within the scope of thought after all. In the midst of hesitation. I'm going to cut that stuff out quickly and believe in the Buddha and sutras in front of me. I can believe it. I think that's where faith comes from.

When I was young, too, there was a time when I was worried about how to live. I was an office worker, did nursing work, delivered newspapers, etc. They also carried backpacks across America and traveled to India, Nepal, Africa, and Europe. This is my property right now. It's good to draw a utopia with your head, but in reality, that's not the case! Japan is an amazing country. We live in a foreign country facing a much harsher reality than Japan. Also, how much kind-hearted people helped me through my various jobs, home, and community life. Sukenoji, you can't get answers with your head. “How should I live?. Which denomination should I choose?.” Isn't it in books or in people's words?. You ask yourself. Who am I?. What are you good at, what are you not good at, what do you like, and what do you dislike? Let's have a serious experience interacting with lots of people, crying, laughing, hurting, and hurting. The path of serious walking always leads to Buddhism. Experience the various denominations! Feel for yourself what's right for you!. Isn't faith walking the path of one's heart... You're still young, let's live a lot of trouble and experience a lot by referring to the Buddha's teachings about your state of mind, and live a much better world!

Sukenoji-sama

This is Kawaguchi Hidetoshi. This is my humble answer to the question.

My humble life also temporarily came to an understanding similar to Sukenoji-sama, and I have re-learned Buddhism from scratch from the beginning, and have continued to this day. Currently, the center of learning is Tibetan Buddhism.

To some extent, what I thought was an overview of Buddhism is the need to understand the true meaning of Shakyamuni, who is at the root of Buddhism.

I believe that if you don't understand it and get caught up in the doctrine of a specific denomination or the doctrine of a certain facet, this will lead to self-righteousness and exclusivity due to sectification, and there may be adverse effects of becoming a cult.

Anyway, instead of blindly believing, I think it would be better if we could repeat tests critically and rationally, be convinced and accept what we are satisfied with, and use it in practice.

※Supplement by reading Thank You... Please also refer to the humble answers to the questions below.

Question “On false sutras and faith”
http://goo.gl/O0iXly

・・

The following is a quote from my previous humble answer, but please refer to it.

As the Buddhist theory is said to be the 84,000 Dharma, there are many teachings. The reason why so many teachings were preached is that Shakyamuni was preached to skillfully lead to enlightenment according to the opponent's root (ability/qualities to move towards enlightenment) (good, clever, and convenient).

Simply, you can think that they were explained to each person individually, or that they were explained how to deal with each of the 84,000 afflictions. Well, you can think that some degree of common denominator of these teachings is organized as something for each denomination, but when it comes to exactly which teachings suit you, I think it is necessary to add something about each to some extent.

However, it takes a huge amount of time and effort to read all the Buddhist scriptures and treatises, etc., so I think it would be good if you first learn from introductory books and reference books that give you an overview of Buddhist thought in its entirety.

omitted

What is important in practicing Buddhism is the “Bodhi Heart.” First, it is necessary to establish a firm “Bodhi Heart,” and then surely accumulate the dual resources of “wisdom (understanding of the sky) and blessings (practice of convenience and merit)” for enlightenment.

Kawaguchi Hidetoshi Gassho

A monk of the Honganji school.

It's strange that the fact that I can't look forward to Japan's future and the fact that I have no other path other than Buddhism are connected. From the context, I thought it didn't matter whether Japan fell or not, that Mr. Suke would aspire to Buddhism.

The question “there are so many denominations that I don't know which one to believe” is resolved for the same reason as “choosing” Buddhism. In other words, “know” that teaching is true.

Faith is not something to bet on. There is also a view like Pascal's, but I believe it is known that it is true rather than betting or assuming. Facts are simply “knowing.” There's no need to be sure.

Note, there seems to be a misunderstanding, so I'll say it for the time being, but the so-called “Mahayana non-Buddhist theory” has been said since the Edo period. Not from the Meiji era. (Super famous among the Shinshu sect.) Also, there is no Therawada at the root of Buddhism. It seems to be the closest form to Shakyamuni's direct explanation, but even Therawada is not Shakyamuni's direct explanation. Therawada is just one manifestation of Buddhism.

http://hasunoha.jp/questions/5014
I wrote a little bit in response to this question, but Buddhism is an activity where you can definitely become a Buddha. Buddhism does not consist only of Shakyamuni's direct explanation.

I understand the feeling that people want to say that anything other than what they say about becoming a Buddha is a lie, but I shouldn't say it. I'm not saying Christianity or Theravada are lies. That's because I just don't know until it's a lie. It should be understood and respected in the context of that teaching.

Buddhism subdue one's own value judgments of right and wrong, right and wrong.

> “How should I live? Which denomination should I believe in?”

You can just keep living. No matter what or what is said here, I wonder if Noji Suke will live his life as he thinks is good. Also, sects, or rather, teachings are not something you are actively satisfied with, and you probably believe in teachings that are quite simply true. I think that's fine.

Additional note: I want you to make an effort to understand other people's stories in that context. “Intent” is nothing but “intention.” Since there is a character limit of 1,000 characters for responses, all sentence endings were simplified to the extent that the context did not change and answered again.

If I believe because I'm convinced, I'm superior to Buddhism. This is not a Buddhist belief.

Super word count. Just right. If you don't agree with anything other than what you can understand, think for yourself until you get through.

Modern Buddhist thought and idealized Buddhism are often transcribed and conceptualized even if they appear to be Buddhism.
Of course, these are fingers pointing to the moon to indicate the origin.
But the origin is Buddha. Buddha with 100% enlightenment juice is the Buddhist extract itself, so there is a temperature difference between enlightenment and written words about cooking, recipes, and live music and sheet music.
Okay, please clap your hands. 👏
Is that the sound of Terawada, the sound of Japanese Buddhism, or the sound of Zen?
There should be no separation between Tendai, Shingon, Pure Land, Rinzai, Soto...
Please see through the sounds before they were divided into branches and leaves of sects. 👏
It's probably just pure sound without any labels.
That is the gaze of the enlightened person = Buddha. (Hit until you know)
You view Buddhism as something after being separated by human thought.
That's why things are idealized and separated.
Now try the hand shape of the Rock Paper Scissors Rock Paper Scissors game.
When and where does the moment when this ✌ is separated from Choki, Peace, 2, and V signs happen?
Please take a good look at yourself and be clear.
However, there are just things like this ✌ there. It doesn't even have a name.
The world, which is separated by words, concepts, and knowledge, is something that was later labeled by human heads.
Awakening before that label is the entrance to Buddhism.
With the Buddha, I'm not referring to myself as a Buddhist.
I, too, used to collect only knowledge about Buddhism.
However, knowledge and discernment cannot ❝ save ❞.
How many years did they practice, read tens of thousands of books, who learned from them, and copied and recited tens of thousands of sutras.
“So, how is it now?” It's about asking yourself this question.
Even if you pour in a lot of wine that costs hundreds of thousands of yen per bottle, is there a way of life that can produce a drop that makes families and children smile today?
That drop of water boils from the body and mind is Daigo extract, the Daigo extract of Buddhism.
Labels are unnecessary to guide yourself and others to comfort themselves.
Even though it is called enlightenment, it cannot be called living enlightenment or living Buddhist extract if it is difficult, profound, cannot be conveyed to anyone, and no one can be saved.
So, you should only learn really medicinal teachings that can save you.
You don't care about the label, do you?
Even if there is no label there, it is true power, Buddhism, if saved from life, old age, illness, and death.
Once you're obsessed with labels, there's probably some truth to that already.