What are the main aspects of Buddhism’s influence on Japanese culture?

Since Buddhism was introduced to Japan, it has quickly swept across Japan. After years of development, Buddhism has gradually penetrated into all aspects of Japan. Japan's native culture has undergone many changes under the influence of Buddhism, including the Japanese's views on life and death, their pursuit of food, and their attitude towards beauty. It can be said that Buddhism has influenced Japanese culture in all aspects, from ideas to concrete objects, and this influence continues to this day.

Japan is in a situation surrounded by the sea. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions of various sizes occur all year round. In this environment, the Japanese living on this land have to face life and death from time to time. . It is precisely for this reason that in the traditional concept of the Japanese, they believe that separation between life and death is a very normal thing and can be accepted with an extremely calm attitude. Since Buddhism was introduced to Japan, the Japanese have further sublimated this calm attitude. The concept of impermanence promoted by Buddhism has made the Japanese more calm when looking at life and death, and at the same time made them realize the importance of life. Short-lived, it becomes more urgent.

In addition, Buddhism has also had a profound influence on Japanese food culture. Before Buddhism was introduced to Japan, the Japanese did not have many taboos against meat. However, after Buddhism entered Japan, the Japanese began to gradually become Mainly vegetarian. As we all know, Buddhism has strict requirements on food, and almost all meat is prohibited. Under the influence of this thought, most Japanese people who believe in Buddhism no longer eat meat.

The introduction of Buddhism has also deeply affected Japanese aesthetics. Among them, the five-wheel pagoda unique to Japan is the best embodiment. The impermanence of life is an important idea in Buddhism. Many Japanese artists have integrated this idea into their creations. Whether from literary works or architecture, people can clearly see the Japanese people's attitude towards life. A brief and impermanent awe. To this day, the Japanese people's awareness of beauty is still based on sadness and silence.