Manners at Buddhism temple

Don’t step on the threshold of Buddhism temple. We have to cross the threshold. Japanese have word, it says “Shikii wo matagu (cross the threshold)”. If the scale of temple is large, threshold is also large and high. So, it’s hard to cross the threshold. Japanese says that “Shikii ga Takai (threshold is high)”. For that reason, this word (Shikii ga Takai) became an idiomatic expression. It means difficult problem, hard to overcome. The world biggest copper Buddhism statue exists at Todai-ji temple in Nara. Thresholds of Todai-ji are high and wide:)

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Is Buddhism idol worship?

Looking from monotheism followers, maybe you will look like they do so. However, Buddhism is not idol worship. And there is no God in Buddhism. Strictly speaking, Buddhism accept the polytheistic gods and the goddess. But they are just superior to human being a little. They are not getting a Buddhahood, too. The goal of Buddhism is to get spiritual enlightenment. Buddhists believe the teachings only. Buddhism teaches that to live comfortably and peacefully with getting rid of many sufferings. They don’t see Buddha as the God, and they don’t do idol worship. Well, why have Buddhist statues or pictures? Buddhism teachings is called “the truth”. This truth is very...

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We want you to know exactly about swastika

This mark is called “MANJI”. It’s Buddhist lucky charm. It’s NOT Hakenkreuz (Nazi Germany’s swastika symbol mark). Please look it carefully. You will find that its directions are difference. Nazi’s swastika is left-turning. Buddhism’s one is right-turning. Originally, both mark was used as lucky charm among Hinduism. Buddhists are using right-turnig swastika only as lucky charm and symbol of vitality At Zenko-ji temple. You can see the Buddhist Manji. Buddhism have the code “Hendan Uken”. When Buddhism monks put on uniform for the rites, they conceal left arm and open right arm (shoulder). This style stands for respect, non-aggressive attitude and the energy of vitality. H.H. 14th Dalai Lama’s wear(tibetan...

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Main Buddhism events

Originally, Buddhism events used to be held on lunar calendar. But now the rites hold on solar calender in Japan. Feb. 15th. — NIRVANA DAY. It’s Parinirvana Day (the anniversary of Buddha’s death). Talking of Nirvana, the picture of Nirvana. It seems that it’s not so popular in Europe and America, but it’s very important picture in Asian Buddhism area. There are meaning and rules against composition of a painting. The vernal equinox and The autumnal equinox. — OHIGAN. Every around the vernal equinox (and the autumnal equinox) is called OHIGAN in Buddhism. HI means (over)there, far or beyond. GAN means shore. I mean, OHIGAN means opposite side shore. Therefore...

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Are Buddhists vegetarian?

Answer is NO. It seems that many Europeans and Americans are convinced that Buddhist are vegetarian. But it’s wrong. There is no “ban the meat-eating” in any Sutra and religious precepts. Actually, Gautama Siddhartha ate it. We can find the record about it. Buddhism allow that eating meat which have been given as an offering (taking life indirect). Buddhism prohibited just a wanton destruction of life (taking life direct). Well, what if you’re hunter or fisherman, what’s it gonna be ? You can be saved (see also).

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About Buddhism (briefing)

The Birth of Buddhism. Buddhism is regarded as a major world religion and a philosophy; it is based on the teachings of the Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha , a prince of the Shakyas, who lived in or around the fifth century BC. The teachings spread from their roots in India to most of Asia. Buddhism have two factions. Buddhism have two factions. One is Southern route Buddhism (mainly Thailand, Sri Lanka), another one is Northern route Buddhism(Tibet, China, Korea and Japan. Active Northern route Buddhism are believed mainly in Tibet and Japan at present). In southern route Buddhism, people have seeking for goal individually as getting an advice from priest. That’s...

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High-class Japanese Sharpening Stone

Do you know? There are sharpening stones which had been set to a military secret in Samurai era. –? Kyoto Natural Sharpening Stone — In Japan, There are sharpening stones which had been set to a military secret by administrators in Samurai era. Because sharpening stones improves their swords performance. That is to say, military strength is advanced. That’s the reason how come Samurai swords are strong and sharp. To professional whet expert’s web site Let me tell you the history of this sharpening stones. 250 million years ago, sedimentary rocks moved to the one place (in what is now Kyoto) by Earth plate. Moreover, tectonic movements had made 20...

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The history of candle #3

-3- The hallmark and the status quo of Japanese traditional candles The main material of Japanese candles is Japan wax tree. This trees are growing wild naturally in East Asia only. Moreover, only the trees that grew in Japan become a candles. WHY? Craftsman left an ingredient analysis to scientist. As a result, they’ve gotten a one answer. 6% one ingredient was included in the tree that grew in Japan. It’s called “Japan acid”. If Japan-wax tree have not Japan acid, craftsman couldn’t make candles. The hallmark of Japanese candles are; 1. All Handmade 2. All vegetable wax 3. Powerful but soft lights 4. Long burning 5. Stand up to...

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The history of candle #2

-2- How to make Japanese traditional candles Output of Japanese style candle are decreasing now. Not be in demand, Japanese candles were pushed out by mass production (paraffin candle) from the market. Because the process of candles are a time‐consuming job, and it might be a little high price. The main material of Japanese candles is Japan wax tree. That’s one of vegetable wax candle. This trees are growing wild naturally in East Asia only. Moreover, only the trees that grew in Japan become a candles (say later). One; The farmer of Japan Wax tree harvest a nut, crush it, and extract wax from it. They send them to candle...

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