Japanese beliefs in the afterlife?

[MWThomas]

Does the Japanese have any sort of beliefs in life beyond death, or transcendence?

 

[pipokun]

It's the same, some do, some don't.
How about reading "tsurezuregusa"? There are some copy-right free materials, but I could not find free English tranlation. Prof. D. Keene translated it "Essays in Idleness". ISBN: 0231112556
The essays were about 700 yrs old and mostly Buddhism influenced ones, but in the last essay, the 243rd, it is a story when the kid Kenko asked his father some ontological questions, something like what was the 1st Buddhism teaching or what was there before the 1st.

 

[Mars Man]

I would tend to say far more do, than not.

 

[MWThomas]

What is the believer's (in an afterlife) concept of the post-death world they will inhabit?

 

[ricecake]

Buddhism believes in reincarnation.

 

[Color red]

Buddhism believes in reincarnation.

HAha, but buddhism comes from india, right?

 

[Mycernius]

HAha, but buddhism comes from india, right?

And what exactly is your point?

 

[diemjay]

Buddhism was introduced to Japan in 552 (C.E.). Japanese influence has had a great influence on Buddhism. Different schools, sects and practices have developed there. Are you suggesting that because Buddhism wasn't born in Japan it did not develop Japanese roots? I do not know too many people who would argue that Christianity is exclusive to Isreal (where it was born). In fact, Christianity has spread itself all over the world and has adapted itself to each particular cultural influence along the way. Living religions change. It is a sign of life.

 

[ricecake]

Buddhism same as Christianity branched out to various denominations.

 

[Rahmie]

HAha, but buddhism comes from india, right?

No not really imo. Hinduism come from India. the Hindus believe that buddha was a reincarnation of one of thier Gods (Vishnu or Shiva). That doesn't mean that it is from India. It is like all religions it came of growth. It evolved from meditation and study of other religions and the society.

 

[Buntaro]

Buddhism comes from India.

 

[Kirie_Maiden]

What about the spiritualist faith? Is that part of Japan at all?

 

[merevindur]

Kirie, there are many forms of Buddhism and spiritual belief as well. Most of them are to do with the afterlife and that if we lead a good life in this world then we will transcend into something better afterwards in another reincarnation.

One of the belief systems is Shintoism and is a little different from Zen Buddhism which is widely known.

There is an inner peace aspect about Zen Buddhism though and it is that which people do like as it teaches patience and moderation in life. Also it encourages us to think more.

I hope this helps?

 

[Kirie_Maiden]

This does help, but I was also wondering if the actual faith of Spiritualism is involved in Japan, and by this I mean belief in the seven principles and that clairvoyancy is a divine gift. To put it bluntly, if the dead can be contacted after death by clairvoyancy. :haihai: