Q What is the difference between Shinto and Buddhism?
A While they are distinct spiritual paths, Shinto and Buddhism have coexisted and harmonized in Japan for over 1,500 years through a practice known as shinbutsu-shugo.
* Shinto: Focuses on this life, nature, purity and local community spirits. It is traditionally turned to for celebratory life events, such as births, marriages and harvest festivals.
* Buddhism: Focuses on the afterlife, enlightenment, suffering, and the soul's journey. It is almost exclusively turned to for funerals, ancestor veneration, and memorial services.
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A While they are distinct spiritual paths, Shinto and Buddhism have coexisted and harmonized in Japan for over 1,500 years through a practice known as shinbutsu-shugo.
* Shinto: Focuses on this life, nature, purity and local community spirits. It is traditionally turned to for celebratory life events, such as births, marriages and harvest festivals.
* Buddhism: Focuses on the afterlife, enlightenment, suffering, and the soul's journey. It is almost exclusively turned to for funerals, ancestor veneration, and memorial services.
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What is Buddhism?Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion with over 520 million followers, or over 7% of the global population, known as Buddhists. An Indian religion, Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on original teachings attributed to the Buddha and resulting interpreted philosophies. Buddhism originated in Ancient India as a Sramana tradition sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, spreading through much of Asia. All Buddhist traditions share the goal of overcoming suffering and the cycle of death & rebirth, either by the attainment of Nirvana or through the path of Buddhahood.
What is Shinto?Shinto, an ancient Japanese religion began around 500 BC, derived from the Chinese words, "Shin Tao" which translates into "the way of the gods". Like many very ancient religions, Shinto does not have a tightly-knit group of founders, scriptures, or rules. Many in Japan follow both concepts found in Shinto (which has ties to Confucianism) in addition to Buddhism. Many of the religion's concepts reflect those of other ancient religions, including a strong connection to earth, nature, wildlife, and the elements.
