 Temples
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In other countries, temples are dedicated to gods. They are often very
beautiful buildings, and worship services are regularly performed in many
of them. In Japan, temples are dedicated to the religion of Buddhism.
This religion teaches us to achieve the state of Nirvana. To do this,
we have to follow the eight-fold path consisting of right belief, right
word, right resolve, right act, right life, right effort, right thinking,
and right meditation.
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Buddhism came to Japan around 550 A.D., after having passed through
China and Korea from India, where it originated in the 6th century B.C.
It was quickly accepted by the Japanese royal family of the time and rapidly
gained in popularity. Buddhism was thought to be a carrier of civilization,
since it had acquired the wonderful writings of India and China as well
as other fine qualities from Korea before reaching Japan. Even though
it had been a very simple religion in the beginning, Buddhism soon absorbed
the wonderful literature, great art and beautiful architecture of its
early hosts, and these make it famous among world religions, even today.
Practiced mainly in Asia, Buddhism is one of the most popular religions
in Japan.
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I think Buddhism is closely related to spirituality and death. The temples
take care of the family ashes and burial tombs. Anniversaries of the death
of a relative are conducted in temples. Of course, other ceremonies are
also performed there, but commemoration of death is a very important and
common event at a temple. This religion is very precious to us!
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