Buddhism has a rich and diverse history across Asia. While it began in India, it has spread to many countries, each adopting and adapting the teachings of the Buddha in unique ways. In Japan, Buddhism is deeply embedded in culture, but the form of Buddhism practiced there is primarily Mahayana Buddhism, not Theravada. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two branches of Buddhism, the history of Theravada in Japan, and the current presence of Theravada in the country.
What is Theravada Buddhism?
Theravada, meaning “Teaching of the Elders,” is one of the oldest forms of Buddhism. It traces its roots back to the earliest teachings of the Buddha and is primarily practiced in countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, and Laos. The focus of Theravada is on the Pali Canon, the oldest recorded teachings of the Buddha, and emphasizes personal enlightenment (nirvana) through meditation, ethics, and wisdom.
In Theravada Buddhism, the monastic community plays a key role in preserving and transmitting the teachings. Laypeople support the monastic community, while monks and nuns devote their lives to meditation, study, and the practice of the Buddha’s teachings. The ultimate goal is to attain Arahantship—the state of being free from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
What is Mahayana Buddhism?
Mahayana Buddhism, which is the dominant form of Buddhism in Japan, developed later and is considered to be a more expansive and inclusive approach. It emphasizes the Bodhisattva path, where the goal is not just personal enlightenment but also the liberation of all sentient beings. Mahayana includes a vast array of scriptures and teachings, many of which go beyond the Pali Canon.
In Mahayana, practitioners aim to cultivate compassion (karuna) and wisdom (prajna) through meditation, mindfulness, and the study of Buddhist philosophy. A key difference between Theravada and Mahayana is the ideal of the Bodhisattva—a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others reach enlightenment as well.
1. Theravada Buddhism in Japan: A Brief History
Although Theravada Buddhism has not traditionally been the dominant form of Buddhism in Japan, its presence can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was a time of increased interest in foreign religions and cultures during the Meiji period, when Japan was opening up to the West and looking to modernize.
During this period, there was some interest in Theravada, especially among intellectuals and scholars who were attracted to its simplicity and adherence to the earliest texts of Buddhism. However, Mahayana Buddhism remained the dominant tradition in Japan, with its many schools such as Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren Buddhism.
2. The Spread of Theravada Buddhism in Japan
In the late 20th century, Theravada Buddhism began to gain more recognition in Japan, especially with the establishment of several Theravada centers and meditation retreats. One of the most notable figures in the spread of Theravada in Japan was the Thai monk Ajahn Chah. Ajahn Chah was instrumental in introducing the practice of vipassana meditation (insight meditation) to many people in Japan.
Today, Theravada Buddhism is practiced by a small but growing number of people in Japan. There are several Theravada centers, particularly in larger cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, where practitioners can study and practice meditation, mindfulness, and Buddhist teachings.
Differences Between Theravada and Japanese Buddhism
1. Emphasis on Meditation
One of the primary differences between Theravada Buddhism and Japanese Mahayana traditions is the emphasis on meditation. In Theravada, meditation, particularly vipassana and samatha (concentration), is central to practice. Practitioners focus on observing their thoughts and bodily sensations in a disciplined manner to develop insight into the nature of reality.
In contrast, many Japanese Buddhist traditions, especially Pure Land Buddhism, emphasize devotion to Amitabha Buddha as a means of attaining rebirth in the Pure Land, rather than focusing solely on meditation for personal enlightenment. Zen Buddhism, another major school in Japan, also emphasizes meditation but in a different way, with a focus on zazen (seated meditation) to experience direct insight into the nature of reality.
2. Monasticism vs. Lay Practice
In Theravada, the monastic community plays a central role in the preservation of teachings and practice. Monks and nuns dedicate their lives to meditation, study, and ethical practice. Lay practitioners are encouraged to support the monastic community and practice the teachings in their daily lives.
In Japan, while there is also a monastic community, many schools of Japanese Buddhism focus more on the participation of lay practitioners. For instance, Pure Land Buddhism encourages people to recite the name of Amitabha Buddha, a practice that can be done by laypeople, rather than focusing solely on monastic practice.
3. Textual Sources
Theravada Buddhism primarily relies on the Pali Canon, which is considered the most authoritative scripture. It contains the teachings of the Buddha as recorded in the earliest texts. Mahayana Buddhism, on the other hand, includes a much wider range of texts, including the Mahayana sutras, which were written later and include teachings on the Bodhisattva path, compassion, and wisdom.
Current Theravada Centers in Japan
Despite being a minority tradition in Japan, Theravada Buddhism is represented by several centers and meditation groups that offer teachings, meditation practice, and retreats. Some of the prominent Theravada centers in Japan include:
The Japan Vipassana Sangha: This center is part of the global Vipassana movement inspired by the teachings of S. N. Goenka. It offers 10-day residential meditation retreats where participants can learn and practice Vipassana meditation.
Thai Buddhist Temples: There are several Thai Buddhist temples in Japan, particularly in the larger cities. These temples offer Theravada teachings and meditation, including opportunities to study with Thai monks.
The International Buddhist Meditation Center (IBMC): Located in Tokyo, the IBMC offers both Theravada and Buddhist teachings, with an emphasis on meditation and mindfulness practices.
Ajahn Chah’s Legacy in Japan
Ajahn Chah, a prominent Thai Buddhist monk, played a significant role in bringing Theravada teachings to Japan. His meditation technique, Forest Tradition, focuses on mindfulness and simplicity. He established several meditation centers in Japan, where people can practice and study Theravada Buddhism in a manner that stays true to its monastic roots.
Conclusion
While Theravada Buddhism is not the dominant form of Buddhism in Japan, it is present and has been steadily growing in recent decades. The teachings of Theravada, with their emphasis on meditation, mindfulness, and personal enlightenment, offer a unique approach to Buddhism that contrasts with the more devotional practices found in Japan’s Mahayana traditions. With the establishment of several Theravada centers and meditation groups, the teachings of the Buddha are being shared with more people in Japan, offering a deeper understanding of Buddhism’s diverse traditions.
As interest in mindfulness and meditation continues to rise, it is likely that the influence of Theravada Buddhism in Japan will expand, providing more opportunities for practitioners to explore the teachings of the Buddha in their own way. While Mahayana remains the dominant form of Buddhism in Japan, Theravada has carved out a meaningful place, offering a fresh perspective on the path to enlightenment.
