Going to Buddhist Temples in Japan

[Ninja_Autobot]

Good day, everyone. I apologize if this is in the wrong section of the forum, but it seemed the most appropriate.

My fiancee and I are currently studying abroad in Japan (we are both practicing Catholics and recently attended our first Mass since arriving here). About a week ago we went with a friend to a shopping mall in Osu, nearby which was a Buddhist shrine with a bell. There were many students there ringing the bell for luck, as many students will be taking either finals or placement exams soon. At our university we will also be taking placement exams for our language classes. Our friend offered us to ring the bell for luck. My fiancee did not want to, on the grounds that doing so offered worship to false god(s); I figured so long as the prayer was directed to God after ringing the bell, it would be OK (or even just ringing the bell for fun). Is thinking of it as a purely cultural practice wrong, and would ringing the bell and asking God for luck still be a sin vis-a-vis the first commandment (I am the Lord your God; you shall have no other gods before Me)? Or are we over-thinking things?

Keep in mind that we are making a pilgrimage to the site of the Marian Apparitions of Our Lady of Akita at some point during our stay here, so we are definitely not looking to convert to Buddhism I would just like to participate in some of the cultural practices of Japan whilst here.

 

[shondrea]

Hmm…well, although Japan is predominantly Buddhist and Shinto, the country is sort of known for it’s people to be more “culture religion” than actually religious. More charms, superstition and tradition than real faith and worship. (not all, of course, just the general) So chances are many of the students are doing it more for the tradition or superstition than an actual prayer to God for luck. Many of us will do small things for “good luck” that have no real religious meaning. However, despite all this, it IS at a shrine, so…after my whole rant, I don’t know.

 

[Moscati]

I don’t think it’s any more wrong than tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, which I did when I studied abroad (went to St. Peter’s first, though).

 

[Ferds_Guiang]

I guess going through the motions of a cultural practice is all right if only to show respect to other beliefs. And besides you do not truly believe that the practice holds any power to influence anything in your life. Since you’re in a different cultural setting I think it would be proper to give due respect to their traditions.

 

[m134e5]

About a week ago we went with a friend to a shopping mall in Osu, nearby which was a Buddhist shrine with a bell. There were many students there ringing the bell for luck, as many students will be taking either finals or placement exams soon. At our university we will also be taking placement exams for our language classes. Our friend offered us to ring the bell for luck. My fiancee did not want to, on the grounds that doing so offered worship to false god(s); I figured so long as the prayer was directed to God after ringing the bell, it would be OK (or even just ringing the bell for fun). Is thinking of it as a purely cultural practice wrong, and would ringing the bell and asking God for luck still be a sin vis-a-vis the first commandment (I am the Lord your God; you shall have no other gods before Me)?

I do not think ringing a bell in a Buddhist temple would be offering worship to false gods- Buddhism does not teach that there is a deity. The bell probably is meant to tell you some message about the earth, about being a good person, or about how everything should work together in harmony or something. I don’t think that in itself is bad.

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

There’s nothing wrong with it. Keep in mind in Japan, while the country identifies mostly as Shinto or Buddhist, no one strictly adheres to either of the faiths anymore. It’s become more of a cultural thing. A lot like many of the superstitions here in America.

Keep in mind that you can’t “accidentally” commit a sin like idolatry. Doing something like that is grave and intentional. You have to actually ring that bell, and do so with the prayer in your heart that you hope the pagan gods will take care of your needs. It’s a pretty deliberate action, idolatry.

 

[Catholic1954]

I have rung many bells in many buddhist temples in Japan (I like the sound). No harm done. Japan is beautiful this time of the year; are the cherry blossoms out yet?

 

[bpaynter]

. Keep in mind in Japan, while the country identifies mostly as Shinto or Buddhist, no one strictly adheres to either of the faiths anymore. It’s become more of a cultural thing. A lot like many of the superstitions here in America.

.

***NO ONE ***strictly adheres? I think that’s a bit strong!

 

[Ninja_Autobot]

Wow, thanks for the responses everyone Good to know that we can participate in the cultural practices of the country while still putting God first.

I don’t think it’s any more wrong than tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, which I did when I studied abroad (went to St. Peter’s first, though).

Ah, good point, that makes sense (I’ve done the Trevi fountain too )

There’s nothing wrong with it. Keep in mind in Japan, while the country identifies mostly as Shinto or Buddhist, no one strictly adheres to either of the faiths anymore. It’s become more of a cultural thing. A lot like many of the superstitions here in America.

Keep in mind that you can’t “accidentally” commit a sin like idolatry. Doing something like that is grave and intentional. You have to actually ring that bell, and do so with the prayer in your heart that you hope the pagan gods will take care of your needs. It’s a pretty deliberate action, idolatry.

A legitimate point, over here it’s basically you either go through the motions with little adherence to actual faith, or you go all out and become a monk (granted there are exceptions, but that’s the general feel).

That makes sense, considering all mortal sin is purposeful XP That’s why all I’d do at most, is use the bell in the same was as I would initiate any other prayer to God. I should ask one of the Japanese Catholics how they see it

I have rung many bells in many buddhist temples in Japan (I like the sound). No harm done. Japan is beautiful this time of the year; are the cherry blossoms out yet?

Sweet I can’t wait to go back to Osu then. And to answer your question, a few (including the one right outside by balcony) have started to blossom, and our area’s Hanami Festival is supposed to be starting on Easter Sunday (quite apropos, I think).