Buddhism Buddhism was brought to Japan from China through Korea beginning in the 6 th century.

1. Buddhism Buddhism was brought to Japan from China through Korea beginning in the 6th century. In Buddhism, all worldly things (belonging to “this world” as opposed to “the other world”) are impermanent. Buddhism strives for salvation from pains stemming from worldly desires. There are different ways to reach this objective depending on the sect. In some sects, just prayer will do. In some sects, as in Zen Buddism, strict training is considered important. In Japan Buddhism has merged with native Shinto, and it is often difficult to distinguish it from Shinto in ordinary peoples life, but generally speaking rituals associated with death (a kind of bridge to the other world) are performed by Buddhist priests.

2. River in Buddhist cosmology 方丈記　（鴨長明） 行く川のながれは絶えずして、しかも本の水にあらず。よどみに浮ぶうたかたは、かつ消えかつ結びて久しくとゞまることなし。世の中にある人とすみかと、またかくの如し。 Hojoki (Kamo-no Chomei) Yuku kawa-no nagare-wa taezu-shite, shikamo moto-no mizu-ni arazu. Yodomi-ni ukabu utakawa-wa katsu kie katsu musubite, hisashiku todomaru koto nashi. Yo-no naka-ni aru hito-to sumika-to mata kaku-no gotoshi. Though the river's current never fails, the water passing, moment by moment, is never the same. Where the current pools, bubbles form on the surface, bursting and disappearing as others rise to replace them, none lasting long. In this world, people and their dwelling places are like that, always changing. （http://www.washburn.edu/reference/bridge24/Hojoki.html）

3. River and water in Shinto cosmology Shinto is a native religion of Japan. It is polytheistic and animistic and centers on love and reverence of nature. In Shinto, human beings are supposed to live in peaceful coexistence with all kinds of kami (spirits/gods) in nature. Rivers are important components of Japanese (constructs of) pure nature. Shinto rituals emphasize life and productivity. Ordinary Japanese people participate in many Shinto rituals today. For instance, they mark birth, the 3rd, 5th, and 7th year, the first sunrise of the year, success in entrance exams, construction of new buildings, and marriage in Shinto style. Purification is an important component of Shinto rituals.

4. Buddhism and Shinto • It is often very difficult to separate Buddhism and Shinto. • Many temples and shrines share the same ground. • A family often have a Buddhist alter in a more formal room and a Shinto alter in a more informal room. • A year ends with the tolling of temple bells for the purpose of getting rid of (evil) worldly desires, and another begins with a visit to a Shinto shrine or a place associated with the Sun goddess (eg. first sunrise at Mt. Fuji). • A person coming back from a funeral purifies himself/herself with salt at the door.