Religion

Question 1

What is Japan’s traditional religion?

Answer 1

Shinto (the way of the gods)

Question 2

What are the spirits of Shinto called?

Answer 2

Kami - spirit beings of the land. All natural things were alive. Eg. Sun, hills, lakes, mountains, rivers, etc.

Question 3

What are the four main beliefs of Shinto?

Answer 3

1. Tradition and the Family = birth, marriages, ceremonies. Dead people become Kami and are then worshipped by their family.
2. Love of Nature = contact with nature is contact with gods.
3. Cleanliness = washing body/mouth wards off evil spirits.
4. Religious Festivals = coming together to honour the gods

Question 4

What are Shinto gates, Torii, used for? (3 things)

Answer 4

1. They mark a shrine.
2. They act as a way for kami to come down to earth.
3. They act as a portal between the real world and the spiritual world.

Question 5

Where did the ideas of Buddhism come from?

Answer 5

China and Korea

Question 6

Who from society were mostly Buddhist?

Answer 6

The ruling class

Question 7

What is the main idea of Buddhism?

Answer 7

That life is a cycle - you are born again after death. What you come back as is reflective of how you lived your previous life.

Question 8

What is the goal state of Buddhism?

Answer 8

To reach nirvana (enlightenment) - a perfect state where there is no need to be reborn.

Question 9

What are the 4 noble truths that will help you reach nirvana?

Answer 9

1. Life is full of suffering.
2. Suffering comes because people crave things.
3. Getting rid of craving gives you freedom.
4. The only way to do this is to have the right understanding, speech, actions, efforts, livelihood, intentions, awareness, concentration (by living a certain way).

Question 10

What is Zen Buddhism?

Answer 10

Self-discipline through mediation.

Question 11

Who did Zen Buddhism particularly appeal to?

Answer 11

The warrior class - they thought it would help them with archery (hitting a target without consciously aiming at it).

Question 12

What are some real life examples of Zen Buddhism?

Answer 12

The Japanese tea ceremony, bonsai cultivation, dry garden landscaping, and flower arrangement.

Question 13

What is Confucianism?

Answer 13

Ethical and philosophical guidelines in which to live by.

Question 14

Why did the emperors/shoguns like Confucianism? (2 things)

Answer 14

1. It encouraged political and social stability.
2. It encouraged loyalty to the leaders.

Question 15

What are some key principles of Confucianism? (3 things)

Answer 15

1. Loyalty to the family
2. Respect for elders
3. Obedience to the rulers