Thirteenth Reading Questions

Comprehension questions (10 points)

Group 1
1: Name one important feature of all the Buddhist traditions of the Kamakura period.
The culture of learning was a prominent and important feature of all the Buddhist traditions
and it promoted the development of centers and networks of study and practice.

2: How would you describe the atmosphere between the various Buddhist traditions during
the Kamakura period? Name one consequence of this atmosphere concerning the general
culture.
Hostility between complexes, of various Buddhist traditions, but also within the complexes
themselves. As the system of governance became clearer in the major complexes rivalry for the
control of these major landholders became prominent, sometimes leading to devastating
consequences.

Group 2
6: When we speak of the Buddhist culture of learning in medieval Japan, what do we mean
exactly? What does this allow us to argue regarding Buddhist teachings?
We mean that its culture of learning is not only doctrinal studies but also the culture of
transmission and sacred works. With this, we can argue that the Buddhist culture of learning is
built on a foundation of doctrinal beliefs and practices.

7: What else could we say about the ways the Buddhist scriptures were used? How is the
notion of reading to be understood during that time?
Scriptures were considered as jewelry or talismans and not seen as intellectual sources.
Reading of the scriptures was not public nor free so only individuals with good connections to
the religious institutions were able to study the scriptures.

Group 3
11: Which historical event prompted the Japanese to believe that Japan is a sacred place?
The Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274 and 1281.

14: What did the change in the Buddhist attitude toward the Shinto kami imply for the very
understanding of what kami are?
The kami were no longer seen as remnants, or traces, of Buddha and as such were considered
regular beings in the six realms of rebirth in need of salvation.
Group 4
16: Who are the “networking monks” and what other prejudice or assumption (entertained
by modern students of Buddhism) is being challenged by them?
These are monks who studied at multiple different temples and considered themselves a part
of multiple lineages. These networking monks challenged the assumption that a monk can only
belong to a single lineage and temple.

17: What is the contribution of the “networking monks” concerning the spread of Buddhism?
Networking monks were not confined to temple grounds so as they traveled between temples
they would come into contact with many people of different classes and backgrounds that
would later on come to study under them.

Group 5
22: How would you describe the Buddhist attitude toward women in the Heian period?
As Buddhist lineages believed that women were excluded from all salvation and couldn't get
the right of passage to the Pure Land, they weren't permitted to enter temple grounds or
belong to a lineage.

24: What appears to have contributed to the change of attitude toward women in Buddhism
from the late Heian and early Kamakura periods?
Some lineages like the Zen and Ritsu considered women as potential disciples which
contributed to the eventual shift in attitude towards women in Buddhism.
Opinion question (15 points):
The question is based on the documentary entitled “Eiheiji.”
• Do you think that Zen can teach us something about who we are, how to become a better
person? Do you think that a lighter version of Zen could be developed to help people be more
motivated, efficient, etc.? The answers to such open questions could be the thesis statement of
your short essay. The answers to the next questions could help you develop your ideas.
A. What is the basic spirit of Zen training?
B. What is Zazen? What is its usual or superficial meaning? What does it mean really?
C. What kind of mental attitude does one need to cultivate to practice Zazen?
D. What does the “kindly rod” refer to? What is its function?
E. What is the purpose of reciting Buddhist texts (Sutras)?
F. What is the purpose of the prayers before the meals?
G. What is the purpose of menial works like cleaning and cooking? In what way are they
considered part of Zen training?
H. What are the “Zen questions?’ Give an example. What is their purpose?

We know from television and film that monks lead a very different life from us. They are in
search of the true meaning of life, and they try to find it through Zen. We could say that Zen is a
set of rules that the monks go by, but it is more a way of life in which they find themselves.
They find themselves through different methods, which will be discussed further on in the
essay. But the question is, can we devote ourselves to something as monks do?

To answer the question, first, we must see what kind of training monks do, specifically the
monks from the Eihiji temple. They start their morning by washing their face carefully, not
wasting any water, practicing Zazen (a form of meditation where one mustn’t think of anything
and let their mind waver), reciting Sutras, etc. All of these have their own rules and the monks
must follow them carefully. However, if a modern-day person was put in the position of the
monks, I do not think they would survive a day. A temple is a place where the outside world
doesn’t affect someone, while we are trained to live in modern-day society. We are the
complete opposite of monks and that is why we wouldn’t be able to devote ourselves as they
do.

Finally, we can say that we, as we are now, have a hard time processing how the outside
world affects us. The monks know that anxiety and the toxicity of the outside world exist,
however they do not let it affect them. We could learn something from the monks of the Eihiji
temple.