Zen Buddhism's introduction and development in Japan

Abstract

Japan is known for its unique Zen culture. After being introduced to Japan, Zen Buddhism has evolved in its own unique way, thanks to the contributions of founders such as Eisai (Rinzai sect) and Dogen (Soto sect), etc. Especially, with the strong support from the Samurai, the Gozan Zen had been established since the Kamakura period, creating Zen temple system and promoting the influence of Zen on all aspects of social life. Furthermore, the combination of the art of making tea, enjoying tea, and Zen has created a unique Japanese culture known as the Tea Ceremony, which has given Japanese Zen Buddhism new nuances. The findings of research on the process of importing and deploying Zen Buddhism in Japan reveal characteristics of Japanese Zen Buddhism in areas such as origin, sects, practice methods, and so on.