Buddhism found its way to Japan via China and Korea in the sixth century ,according to early historical records.
In its earliest forms Japanese Buddhism was considered the preserve of learned priests,who spent their days praying for the health of the imperial household from their lairs in the great temples of the ancient capital of Nara.
The forerunner of the Jodo Shinshu -True Pure Land- sect was founded in 1175and promoted the idea of gainning salvation through belief in the Buddha Amida.Jodo Shinshu continues to have millions of followers today.
Zen Buddhism,which reached Japan at about the same time,proved popular among members of the military elite,who were attracted by its message of enlightenment through meditation and discipline.Another influential sect,Nichiren,revelled in opposing other Buddhist schools and remains popular,providing the basis for many of Japan's "new religions".
Japan'sBuddhists have survived several political struggles,notably with the Meiji government of the late 19th century,which promoted Shinto as the new state religion.
About 90 million Japanese say they are Buddhist, compared with only about 1% of the country's 127million-strong population,who consider themselves Christian.
In its earliest forms Japanese Buddhism was considered the preserve of learned priests,who spent their days praying for the health of the imperial household from their lairs in the great temples of the ancient capital of Nara.
The forerunner of the Jodo Shinshu -True Pure Land- sect was founded in 1175and promoted the idea of gainning salvation through belief in the Buddha Amida.Jodo Shinshu continues to have millions of followers today.
Zen Buddhism,which reached Japan at about the same time,proved popular among members of the military elite,who were attracted by its message of enlightenment through meditation and discipline.Another influential sect,Nichiren,revelled in opposing other Buddhist schools and remains popular,providing the basis for many of Japan's "new religions".
Japan'sBuddhists have survived several political struggles,notably with the Meiji government of the late 19th century,which promoted Shinto as the new state religion.
About 90 million Japanese say they are Buddhist, compared with only about 1% of the country's 127million-strong population,who consider themselves Christian.