Japanese Literature

Japanese Literature

Introduction

Japan is a society of rich culture and tradition stemming from her age-old heritage of culture and generations being passed down from generation to generation. Japanese literature is regarded as one of the major literatures of the world, comparable to English literature, in age, richness and volume. The Pillow Book, Manyoshu and other works are ancient symbols of the Japanese heritage and literature that depict the period of that time as well highlight the lifestyle, Buddhism beliefs and traditions of that time.

Discussion

The discussed ancient Japanese literature contains rich pointers of the Buddhist beliefs and adaption of those teachings in the lifestyle and behavior of that period. In the play, Love Suicide at Sonezaki embodies the lovers' words and actions reflect practices of Buddhist philosophy and, through recitation f the Buddha's name, attain salvation in Pure Land Buddhist in turn striving for a millenarian ascension or transcendence through salvation in the Pure Land. The play Atsumori uses the story of two soldiers, one alive and the other killed in battle by the former, to establish that every quarrel can be resolved serenely through accepting or practicing Buddhist beliefs and teachings. It has the living veteran praying the Namu Amidabu, the Japanese branch of Buddhism's prayer of salvation for the salvation of his fallen victim and the fallen responding in gratitude and respect towards the praying soldier. These rudiments help define the path for a peaceful motion between the two.

The Manyoshu, (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves) the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry, contains the records of Yamanoue no Okura (660-733) who appears to be affluent in Buddhism, Chinese literature and Confucianism. He composed works about children, poverty, ageing, death, separation and many social issues. The other poets also composed works that depicted or carried the impermanence doctrine of Buddhism and Buddhist thought in their meanings and direction. Many works in the Man'yoshu have Confucian or Taoist themes and later poems reflecting on Buddhist teachings.

The Tale of Genji and the Pillow Book presents valuable insight into the lifestyle and traditions that were prevalent during the Heian period. It can be suggested that the Tale of Genji reflects the philosophy, behavior and views of the time. Through Murasaki Shikibu's work, the reader can gain an idea of how Buddhism was interpreted and put into practice by the levels of Heian society. The Tale of Genji mainly depicts Buddhist ideas and practice, such as the Amida which has twelve examples in total. Furthermore, there are twenty examples of the nenbutsu that can be seen being practiced throughout the story and the spirit incarnation that result in Yugao's death. It can be suggested that the Heian period society and lifestyle was reasonably familiar with Buddhism and its belief. It can be seen that a segments of society were devoted to Buddhism of one form or another. It was a part of daily life, essentially.

Conclusion

Seemingly, the authors and poets of that time were quite influenced by the teachings of Buddhism and its practices...