Lindsey’s Reviews > A History of Japan to 1334 > Status Update

Section 6 is mainly focused on the growth of three sects of distinctly Japanese Buddhism that developed in response to older, more complicated sects: Amida Buddhism, Lotus/Hokke Buddhism, and Zen Buddhism.

Amida Buddhism has earlier origins as discussed in previous chapters, and was already popular in the capital and the nearby provinces thanks to such early evangelists as Eshin and Hōnen. It spread further during the Kamakura era. The already simple Amida doctrine was further simplified, and it relied solely upon the complete trust in Amida Buddha.

While Amida Buddhism was popular amongst the laypeople and some of the eastern warriors, it was Zen Buddhism that attracted the ruling class. It did not rely on any ritual or scripture, instead being based upon intellectual efforts, strong self-discipline, and meditation. It was popular with many in the warrior class as well and importantly was followed by several of the Hōjō family, including Tokiyori, Yasutoki, and Tokimune. Tokiyori himself built a Zen monastery known as Kenchōji. It’s also mentioned that it may have influenced the politics of some of the Regents, and it is noted that Zen monks were consulted regarding matters of government and relations with China.

Lotus/Hokke Buddhism is unique for its intolerant nature to other religion, which was uncommon in Japan. It was founded by Nichiren, who preached that truth could only be found in the Lotus Sutra and that he was a bodhisattva whose rebirth was foretold in the aforementioned sutra. Another aspect that sets Lotus Buddhism apart is its apocalyptic nature, as it claims that the Lotus Sutra will end the period of the law and give birth to an era of faith.

The section goes on to describe Nichiren’s life. He was a provocative man who was banished several times for his behavior and was condemned to death for treason, although he narrowly escaped his sentence. He was exiled to the island of Sado in 1271, but returned to Kamakura in 1274. He died in 1282 in a mountain retreat, insisting that the government condemn all other religion and unite the country under his church.

Lastly, the chapter ends with a look at a document known as the Gokuraku-ji Letter written by Hōjō Shigetoki for advising his descendants. Some particular things focused on are the evanescence of human life and the permeance of the family, which was a common life view of Shigetoki’s time. As a whole the document is not inherently religious (although it is certainly inspired from Buddhist thought), but serves more-so as a guide for morality, with some practical guidance on matters of government as well.