Buddhism developed out of the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who, in 535 BCE, reached enlightenment and assumed the title Buddha. He promoted 'The Middle Way' as the path to enlightenment rather than the extremes of mortification of the flesh or hedonism. Long after his death the Buddha's teachings were written down. This collection is called the Tripitaka. Buddhists believe in reincarnation and that one must go through cycles of birth, life, and death. After many such cycles, if a person releases their attachment to desire and the self, they can attain Nirvana. In general, Buddhists do not believe in any type of God, the need for a savior, prayer, or eternal life after death. However, since the time of the Buddha, Buddhism has integrated many regional religious rituals, beliefs and customs into it as it has spread throughout Asia, so that this generalization is no longer true for all Buddhists. This has occurred with little conflict due to the philosophical nature of Buddhism.
More Resources on Buddhism
Buddhism Books - Check out the most popular books concerning Buddha and Buddhism.
Sacred Texts of Buddhism - Buddhist sacred texts available for free on line viewing at sacred-texts.com.
Buddhism at OCRT - Article on Buddhism at the web site of the Ontario Consultants for Religious Tolerance.
Shinto - 500+ BCE
Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion, closely tied to nature, which recognizes the existence of various "Kami", nature deities. The first two deities, Izanagi and Izanami, gave birth to the Japanese islands and their children became the deities of the various Japanese clans. One of their daughters, Amaterasu (Sun Goddess), is the ancestress of the Imperial Family and is regarded as the chief deity. All the Kami are benign and serve only to sustain and protect. They are not seen as separate from humanity due to sin because humanity is "Kami's Child." Followers of Shinto desire peace and believe all human life is sacred. They revere "music", the Kami's creative and harmonizing powers, and aspire to have "makoto", sincerity or true heart. Morality is based upon that which is of benefit to the group. There are "Four Affirmations" in Shinto:
Tradition and family: the family is the main mechanism by which traditions are preserved.
Love of nature: nature is sacred and natural objects are to be worshipped as sacred spirits.
Physical cleanliness: they must take baths, wash their hands, and rinse their mouth often.
"Matsuri": festival which honors the spirits.
More Resources on Shinto
Shinto Books - Check out the most popular books concerning Shinto.
Sacred Texts of Shinto - Shinto sacred texts available for free online viewing at sacred-texts.com.
Shinto at OCRT - Article on Shinto at the web site of the Ontario Consultants for Religious Tolerance.
Koshitsu Shinto (The Shinto of the Imperial House): This involves rituals performed by the emperor, who the Japanese Constitution defines to be the "symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." The most important ritual is Niinamesai, which makes an offering to the deities of the first fruits of each year's grain harvest. Male and female clergy (Shoten and Nai-Shoten) assist the emperor in the performance of these rites.
Jinja (Shrine) Shinto: This is the largest Shinto group. It was the original form of the religion; its roots date back into Prue-history. Until the end of World War II, it was closely aligned with State Shinto. The Emperor of Japan was worshiped as a living God. Almost all shrines in Japan are members of Jinja Honcho, the Association of Shinto Shrines. It currently includes about 80,000 shrines as members. The association urges followers of Shinto
Buddhism began in 563 BCE in India. Its founder was Siddh?rtha Gautama, whose title was Buddha - enlightened. The Buddhist scriptures are the Vinaya, Sutras, Nikayas and Abhidharma.
Shinto began c.500 BCE in Japan. Other sources say that there is no starting date, but I beg to differ, because everything has a starting date. Apparently, Shinto has no founder. The Shinto texts are the Kojikis, Nihongis, Yengishiki and Kogoshui
From the section ?Buddhist Qigong and Buddhism? in the Zhuan Falun scripture available on the web,
'Buddhism ... are actually just three words, ?Precept, Concentration, Wisdom,?'
"The universe?s most fundamental nature, to be True, Good, and Endure, that?s the highest expression of Buddha Law"
Falun Gong is based upon the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. Falun Gong consists of five sets of powerful exercises.
Falun Gong, Tibetans, other Buddhists, and Christians have been persecuted in China. The most offensive human right violation is the organ harvesting from the Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Are Shinto and Buddhism the same thing, or are they two different religions?
