Message from mhagiwara

[Anonymous]

One of the topics brought up during our introductions this morning was the question about the two belief systems in Japan. I am half Japanese and half Korean and I grew up with no real religious affiliation but I knew that when my parents were young they grew up with a Buddhist mindset. To my surprise, when I went to Japan to teach from '03-'06, I not only saw Buddhist influences but also Shinto. What is really interesting to see is that harmony between the two religions, especially considering that in Japanese history the two were at odds. Like Clay mentioned, birth is celebrated through Shinto but death is honored through Buddhism. Japanese people today balance both belief systems today; for example when they speak of nature and the environment, they believe that there are kami, or spirits, that surround us and guide us. However they might also visit Buddhist temples to pray for their health or the health of a loved one. This coexistence is definitely a unique one to say the least.