5.. Japanese traditional culture

Japan is a Buddhist country even in these days when many Japanese don't regularly practice a religion.
Buddhism came to Japan about 1500 years ago and there are now nine million people who call themselves buddhist. Buddhism can be categorized into many sects like any other major religion.

Regarding this topic, I found an interesting traditional place in Higashiyama, Kyoto.
This is Higashiyama koo-koo, a buddhist high school established in 1948. The school is based on the Jodoshu spirit, founded by Hounen. The doctrine is "face yourself and reflect on your actions, then you'll see the truth."


Following the belief, this high school is well known as one of the top high schools in Kyoto.


Next, look at this photo. It is Nanzenji, a famous temple of the Rinzaishu sect, founded in 1291. This was quoted by the Missouri Zen center as "one of the three living zen traditions. It stresses enlightenment through the koän practice." Myoan Yosai was the founder of Rinzaishu in Japan. His doctrine is "knowing the pureness and the dignity of humans, you will know that you are as precious Buddha."

Higashiyama koo-koo and Nanzenji : they practice the same religion but their approach is different.

And still more interesting, Higashiyama koo-koo is just next to the Nanzenji.
I didn't know until my friend who studied in this high school told me that these places have no connection with each other. "I heard that not only it is next to but Higashiyama koo-koo is within the land of Nanzenji" he said.

The interesting point is this: why did the high school founder choose to build the school there, where they already practiced a different religion and manage to keep it there up to these days.

I think that it's an example of how Japanese culture traditionally has embraced different beliefs and combines them without conflict.

You may find a similar case in any other part of Japan. So if you do, let me know.