P6+Zen,+Monks+and+Nuns

By: Punith U. & Thomas M.
 * //Meditation: Zen, Monks & Nuns//**

Monks, Nuns, Zen Buddhism, and Shinto were an essential part in life of the Tokugawa Period. Monks spend a big majority of their time painting and meditating. They painted their inner feelings, and this was also more important than actually showing their feelings. While they were meditating, monks would sit in the lotus position. This kind of meditating is part of Zen Buddhism (kind of Buddhism). But Zen can sometimes be confused with Shinto, though these are two very different things. Zen is a type of Buddhism that teaches that enlightenment is achieved through the profound realization that one is already an enlightened being. Shinto on the other hand is a religion. Shinto followers worship the kami of Amaterasu and other kami. Shinto followers believe that the kami inhabits all things natural such as flowers, trees, and rivers. All of these things though were important during the Tokugawa period.

Zen bases its form of Buddhism on meditation. As a matter of fact, Zen itself means "meditation." This form of Buddhism stresses meditation as a way of achieving inner peace and becoming wise. Furthermore, Zen teaches that enlightenment is achieved through the profound realization that one is already an enlightened being. Additionally, an important type of meditation is called //zazen//. The purpose of zazen is to clear the mind of thoughts and desires. In addition, when meditating, there is a special way to sit to help. This way is called the "Lotus Position." The lotus position is when a monk or priest sits with legs crossed with the soles of their feet facing up. Another addition to this position is that the monk or priest has their back straight and their chin tucked in. Zen is a definitely an important part of the religion of Buddhism.

Buddhism is a Japanese religion that was originated and formalized from different countries, though it was enhanced by Japan with its own techniques. Buddhism, itself, was originated in India, but it was also formalized in China. During the Heian Period, two new Buddhist sects were introduced by China. These two sects were called the Tendai sect – in 805 – and then the Shingon sect – in 806. Additionally, Buddhism was welcomed by the ruling nobles as Japan’s new state religion. Furthermore, Buddhism consisted of the teachings of Buddha (a.k.a “Awakened One”). Finally, there were a few initial conflicts with Shinto, Japan’s native religion. But, the two main religions of Japan were soon able to co-exist and even //complement// each other.

Shinto, an important Japanese religion, was manifest with nature itself and is distinctive. To show this, flowering peaks, flowing rivers, and venerable trees, for example, were thought to be sanctified by the deities, or //kami//, that inhabited them. Also, Shinto can be understood as a multifaceted assembly of practices, attitudes, and institutions that express the Japanese people's relationship with their land and the lifecycles of the earth and humans. Shinto emerged gradually in ancient times and is distinctive in that it has no founder, no sacred books, no teachers, no saints, and no well-defined pantheon. However, in the religion of Zen, there were Zen priests and Zen monks.

Monks spend their time painting and meditating. The first Japanese artists were Zen monks who painted in a quick manner to express religious views. What they painted broadened from painting teachers to painting bamboo (and other natural things) to creating landscapes. Monks also painted their personal feelings, this was more important than showing personal expression. Meditating was also important to Monks. When meditating, Monks would sit in the Lotus position. The Lotus position is where your legs are crossed, the soles of your feet are facing upward, your back is straight, and you chin is tucked in. Monks will also tend to face the wall during meditating. Monks will sometimes fall asleep because meditating can be so relaxing. If Monks so signs of dropping off, another Monk will whack them on the shoulder with a stick. Zen Monks had different jobs and were treated much differently than Zen Nuns.

Discrimination against Zen Nuns during the Tokugawa period is well known. During the Tokugawa period, Zen Nuns could not become teachers or masters. Zen Nuns could not even reside inside temple compounds, even if no Monks were present. It would be a mistake though to conclude from the Tokugawa period that women played no significant roles during the Tokugawa period, or that they were confined to positions of low status. Zen Nuns were not allowed to lead religious ceremonies such as funerals. Zen Nuns ranked so low in the rigid social hierarchy of that time that their very existence went almost unnoticed by Tokugawa-period historians.

Overall, Zen, Buddhism, Shinto, meditation, Zen monks and Zen nuns were an essential part of the Samurai culture during the Tokugawa Period. A reason of this is that during the religion of Zen Buddhism, meditation was the most important part of it. Furthermore, while monks were somewhat high in the ranks, the Zen nuns remained low in the hierarchy during the Tokugawa Period. In addition, Buddhism and Shinto, the two main religions of Japan, became less indignant about each other and later complemented each other. Finally, these items were very important to the Samurai culture during the Tokugawa Period.

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 - "Buddhism." Buddhism. Web. February 18, 2010.

- Deshimaru, Taisen. "The Zen way to martial arts." Seven Principles. Web. February 17, 2010.

- "Shinto." Shinto. Web. February 18, 2010.

- "The Role of Women in Medieval Soto Zen." Women in Medieval Times. Web. February 16, 2010.

- "Zen Buddhism." Heilbrunn timeline of art history. Web. February 16, 2010.

- __Zen, Eastern Wisdom.__ San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1993. Print.

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