Buddism types

 

Buddism types

Hello, I am an American who lived in Thailand for some time and now live in Japan. I am familiar to a certain degree with the type of buddism practiced in Thailand. However, now that I am in Japan, I am confused by the temples. They appear to be bare with no monks as opposed to what I was used to. In Thailand, I used to go to the temples and several monks were always on hand to perform rituals.

********Note From The Editor*************

Thank you for your comment.

Yes, Japanese and Thai Buddhism is very different. The first major difference is that Japanese Buddhism is of the Mahayana tradition and Thai Buddhism is of the Theravada tradition.

They are two very different way of looking upon the Buddhist world.

Also, in Thailand, (I do not know much about Thailand, so sorry if I am mistaken)most male citizen will be monks for a short time. Thus, you might have a large number of monks in attendance. In Japan, monks tend to be only in monasteries and priests are rare and there is usually only one per temple, unless it is a large one.

The priests are also busy performing funeral rituals (Japanese Buddhism has become and industry geared toward funerals) so they might not be on hand to help you. You might want to get in touch with the office (sometimes a family member or a member of the community will take care of the office) and make a reservation.

Comments for Buddism types

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Oct 15, 2012

Confused…

by: Bronco


Hello no name…

Wherever one goes in the world to study Buddhism, is good enough. Once one connects with Buddhism, it matters not where one is, it is all to do with what is going on within. A Christian church will suffice to do ones meditaion or prayers, as long as one knows what one has found within it will never go away…

Temple or church matters not, only uncertainty and bias hold us back, when we endeavour to seek the right way. No Buddhist will refuse the compliment of, God bless you from anyone, there is no higher respect…

I loved Thailand, and Sri Lanks, both Buddhist countries, now every wher I go matters not because the internal sensation in any revered establishment is absolutely the same, that overwhelming sensation of spirituality embraces every cell within. here to help Bronco…

******Note From Hugo************

Bronco,

you are right and I actually feel like you except that that would not be “Buddhism”. Each organized religions have a tenet, principles, rules and customs they expect their followers to obey.

What you are saying is that it is not necessary to be part of an organized religion to follow the principles of Buddhism, and I agree with you.

If one wants to follow a codified religion, though, on will have to follow its principles.
Not doing so would make you a spiritual person, not a Buddhist.


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