Even in today’s globalized society, if there is one developed country whose people stand out as significantly distinct and unlike anybody else on this planet, it is Japan. In spite of the prosperity, highly industrialized economy which is inseparably integrated with the rest of the developed world, any first hand interaction with Japanese society and people will immediately make you feel that you are in a different place. One of the reasons for this uniqueness is the influence of Zen Buddhism.
Zen Buddhism in Japan
The word ‘Zen’ derives itself from the Sanskrit word ‘Dhyan’ which means meditation. An integral part of all ancient religious philosophies in India, meditation has always been an important means of self realization in Buddhism. In 475 A.D., BODHIDHARMA, a Buddhist master, travelled to China and propagated Buddhism there. His teachings lead to the acceptance of ‘Dhyan’, which came to be called there as ‘Chan’, and gave rise to the Ch’an school of Buddhism that became one of the popular religious faiths in China. Around 1200 A.D., Ch’an spread to Japan, where it was called ‘Zen’. In time, this school of philosophy became an essential part of Japanese religious practices. More importantly, it was embraced as a way of life, and influenced many aspects of Japanese culture and tradition. » Read more: Influence of Zen Buddhism in Japan
