On "Shinbutsu Shugō" and the Universality of Buddhism, Reflections from Climbing Mount Takao
Yesterday, I climbed Mount Takao for the first time. As I walked along the mountain path surrounded by lush nature, I noticed many shrines and temples near the summit. What left the strongest impression on me was seeing people naturally paying respects both at the shrines and temples. They seemed to have no doubt or confusion about the coexistence of two different religions—Shintoism and Buddhism—at the same site. However, I couldn't help but question this sight because it appeared to contradict the fundamental Buddhist concept of "Ehō fuenin" (依法不依人), which teaches reliance on the law and not on human beings.
Buddhism is considered a "world religion" because its teachings are universal. At the heart of these teachings is the belief that all people possess Buddha-nature and have the potential for equal happiness. In other words, Buddhism is a religion aimed at liberating all living beings from suffering and granting peace, with a focus on universality that transcends specific regions and cultures. However, in the culture of Shinbutsu Shugō (the syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism), Buddhism has been merged with Shintoism, transforming into a faith rooted in local traditions.
The syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism at Mount Takao is a symbolic example. If we look back in history, Shintoism and Buddhism originally developed as separate religions, but from the Heian period to the Meiji period, the two were combined and established as a singular form of belief. The reason for this merging lies in the fact that when Buddhism was introduced to Japan, the rulers at the time sought political stability by fusing Buddhism with Shintoism, aiming to win the hearts of the people. While it is certain that people’s faith was deeply intertwined with their daily lives, a question arises: Should Buddhism, in its essence, have adapted its teachings to fit local lifestyles?
The principle of Buddhism, "Ehō fuenin" (依法不依人), means that one should rely on the teachings themselves, not on individuals, customs, or politics. From this perspective, Buddhism spreading in a form that blends with regional beliefs and cultures seems to deviate from the original teachings of Buddhism. Buddhism, which aims for the happiness of all beings, is not bound by geographical constraints. It is meant to be universally applicable across time and space, and this is the essence of Buddhism as a world religion.
However, under the influence of Shinbutsu Shugō, Buddhism absorbed elements from Shinto and local customs, deviating from the teachings of early Buddhism. As a result, people's understanding of Buddhism was transformed from a universal teaching into a unique blend of beliefs specific to Japan. This has become a factor that diminishes the universality of Buddhism and ultimately leads to a breakdown of the principle of "Ehō fuenin."
Moreover, the rulers at the time used Shinbutsu Shugō as a political tool. By encouraging the integration of Buddhism and Shinto, they sought to unify regional beliefs and make it easier to control the populace. This means that the original teachings of Buddhism were distorted for political purposes, and Buddhism spread in a form that was far removed from pure religious devotion. The rulers and religious leaders of that time can certainly be criticized for this misuse of faith.
When we look at the current religious practices at Mount Takao, we see that many of them are still strongly influenced by the culture of Shinbutsu Shugō. The shrines and temples scattered throughout the mountain are objects of worship for both Shinto and Buddhist deities, and visitors commonly pay respects at both without feeling out of place. However, whether this form of faith aligns with the universal purpose of Buddhism—the equal happiness of all beings—remains questionable. Shinbutsu Shugō can, in a way, be seen as an example of Buddhism losing its universality by becoming submerged in regional culture.
The Connection Between Religion and Power, and Its Impact
A deeper issue lies in the connection between Shintoism and the ruling powers, leading to the "Shintoization" of all religions, including Buddhism. This was not merely a change in religious forms, but had an impact on the direction of the state. Particularly during the lead-up to World War II, the idea that "Japan is the land of the gods" from Shinto was incorporated into political decisions and used to justify the war. When faith is manipulated by those in power, it can lead to the tragic loss of human lives and the horrors of war. The distortion of religion by political authorities, with its resulting tragic outcomes, is a profound and serious reality that must be learned from.
Buddhism’s teachings are encapsulated in the phrase "Ehō fuenin." This principle means that one should follow the law (the teachings) rather than relying on individuals, such as rulers. This teaching must be especially reconsidered in places like Mount Takao, which has the nature of a place for spiritual training. The Tendai sect, which has maintained the syncretic practices of Shinbutsu Shugō, must carefully reflect on this principle once again. The Tendai sect originally upheld the Lotus Sutra, which teaches the enlightenment of all beings, but during the Kamakura period, it integrated the practice of chanting the Nembutsu, which led to the creation of the new Pure Land sect. This shift led to the criticism of the original form of Buddhism.
Nichiren, a monk who resisted the influence of rulers, criticized the Nembutsu tradition, calling for a return to reliance solely on the "law" (the teachings) and fought with his life to uphold this belief. His teachings, which emerged during Japan’s national crisis—the Mongol invasions—foreshadowed the dangers of state manipulation of religion. The Lotus Sutra warned of the potential for outside and internal enemies to emerge when rulers manipulate religion for political gain, and this teaching remains a timely warning for today.
Conclusion
Buddhism, based on its fundamental teachings, holds that all people have the potential for equal happiness and should be a universal teaching that transcends regions and cultures. However, when religion and power become intertwined, as with Shinbutsu Shugō, its doctrines are distorted, leading to tragic outcomes. Especially when Buddhism forgets the principle of "Ehō fuenin," its teachings become powerless, and its influence on society is lost. It is important to reflect on this teaching once again in places like Mount Takao and reclaim the universality that religion originally held. We must learn from the lessons of the past and strive to ensure that religion fulfills its true role, free from manipulation by those in power. This, ultimately, is the path toward creating a peaceful and happy society.
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