Many are familiar with Buddhism and some may even have heard of Shinto which is Japan's ancient spiritual path. It is also believed by many that spiritual disciplines should not be mixed or combined. However, in some instances such combinations have been made and successfully.
In its early days, Buddhism was open to adaptation. The core teachings of course remained as they were, but to reach wider audiences, national and local attributes were incorporated. When it travelled to and became established in China from India, many of its practises had to be adapted to suit existing beliefs. Thus, Chinese practises were also absorbed such as Dao-ism.
Tian Tai Buddhism was one Chinese system of Buddhism that became firmly established as a Mahayana, Great Vehicle school in the 5th century. In addition to being a Mahayana school, Tian Tai became an esoteric school (in Japan) of Buddhism which cut directly into the heart of Buddha's teachings in the form of Chan or Zen. Thus, with translated esoteric sutra's, the absorption of Dao-ism, Tian Tai developed an extremely powerful and effective form of achieving the Buddha's Dharma.
After reading, studying and putting into practise what he had learned from ancient Tian Tai manuscripts, The Japanese monk Saicho (Dengyo Daishi) got permission to visit China with the view to having his Tian Tai understanding confirmed, to seek permission to be ordained as a Tian Tai priest, receive further teachings and take Tian Tai back to Japan which he eventually did, giving it the Japanese name: Tendai. He began the monumental task of building a centre of study on Mt. Hiei where it has remained for 1200 years.
As his Chinese counterparts had done, Saicho absorbed many Japanese Shinto practises into his Tendai school which, as in China, made it easier for the native people to accept. A more important factor in this combination, comes from the influence of the Lotus Sutra which was and is the central sutra of both Chinese and Japanese schools. In the "Introductory" chapter it speaks of the monks search for enlightenment.
"And I see bodhisattva's enter the depths of the mountains to ponder the Buddha Way...Constantly dwell in the seclusion of the wilds, profoundly to practise meditation. Again, I see bodhisattva's who, dwelling in forests, emit radiance... I also see Buddha sons who, unsleeping walk about in the forest, diligently seeking the Buddha Way...the depths of the mountains"
In Master Saicho's day, his Tendai monastery would have been inaccessible save by steep, winding, narrow forest paths of Mt. Hiei. The Mountain is freezing in winter and humid in summer. Tendai monks still practise Kaihogyo ("unsleeping, walk about in the forest") and Shugendo or mountain ascetic practises("enter the depths of the mountains").
From a western view, many would find this combination somewhat strange as we tend to separate and compartmentalise. However, in Japan, the two go side by side even though there was initial resistance to the 'imported' Buddhism. What made this combination even more acceptable was the essential Tendai doctrine of 'integration'. All is whole. There is no separation. No this or that or here or there. Each is within the other. All is expressed and understood as 'ongoing cosmic expansion'. Names and divisions are but mans attempt to somehow limit or restrict that which is beyond expression.
The combination of Shinto and Buddhism is known as ShinButsu. The blending of these two spiritual disciplines gave both depth and freshness to Tendai Buddhism giving it the unique flavour it retains to this day. It further highlights the point that communing with the spiritual realm need not be restricted to the confines of overbearing temples and shrines, but may be touched and experienced in the form of 'Kami' a word mistranslated as gods. Kami (Chinese: Shen) is a word that attempts to express the mystery of life encapsulated in form (trees and rocks) and energies (water, wind and fire). How often have we stood back in awe at the sight of a raging, crashing waterfall? At the majesty of some of the world's highest mountains? Such feelings of 'connectedness' are not uncommon to us. We have simply...forgotten and created separateness. And because we isolate and compartmentalise the 'Supreme Inter-connectedness' is hidden from our eyes. We live in a world of rush and self and that is all we see and we miss the Big Picture.
The way of Tendai is The Way of The Buddha's Dharma. The Way of Shinto is a means of 'experiencing' it. The Way of 'ShinButsu' gives, on one hand, Focus of practice. Whilst on the other, the Freedom of Unity. The Way of Buddhism and Shinto is The Way of Universalism and it is this important point that Tendai Lotus Teachings has taken to heart and raises as its banner. It combines the tried and tested teachings and practises of old as its springboard into the Great Ocean of Dharma where ever it may be found and in whatever guises it may be found for use today.
Practises such as Kaihogyo, literally meaning to walk round mountains, and Shugendo (mountain ascetics) are Japanese terms. This does not mean they are limited to Japan. Australia too is a land of mysteries referred to as the 'Dreamtime' by the Aboriginals. Australia is blessed with a vast array of natural areas. From desert to rainforest. From rainforest to Bushland. From bushland to rolling hills. From rolling hills to vast mountain ranges. Rugged coastlines, raging rivers and plunging, majestic waterfalls. Australians usually associate such places with relaxation, holidays and enjoyment, but often miss what is hidden underneath. Great spiritual benefit can be found when walking or sitting in the silence of the forest. Or meditating on a rocky crag in the face of the oceans wind. Or looking up into a clear night sky from the top of a mountain or hill to feel the expanse of the universe inlaid with the greatest artwork ever created. Through such moments, we sense our own magical insignificance for we are of this and the Buddha's teachings point clearly to it while Shinto helps us experience it. To listen and hear. To look and see. To sense and feel
Both Shinto and Buddhism offer challenges to the human spirit. Tendai Buddhism asks us to engage in stillness of Mind and Body in order to achieve inner peace and thus clarity. A glimpse into the higher realm of Buddha's too often hidden by the myriad labels placed upon it. Only when Mind is stilled can things be seen as they truly are. Shinto, in likewise manner, seeks stillness in motion as practitioners traverse forest and mountain paths. Not being distracted by what they see, but rather blending in and sensing the power of the Kami (mystery of the moment) and connecting with it.
Fujinami Genshin Ajari, a senior Tendai monk says "There are no special things. There is no special requirement for undertaking such practices as in the manner of ShinButsu. If there be a requirement at all it lies in the listening to our innate, universal spirit which only longs to be set free.
Gassho
(Reverend Jiryo Moxon)
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ShinButsu (神佛)
