WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Zen Buddhism, another integral part of Bushido, took hold with the Samurai after its introduction to Japan in the twelfth century. From its teachings Samurai learned how to meditate; employing this technique would help the attempt to reach enlightenment.

Detailed explanation-2: -Samurai and Buddhism For samurai, their violent vocation meant that death was ever present. They sought more direct and individual Buddhist practices, which at times were merged with local beliefs such as the worshipping of sacred mountains.

Detailed explanation-3: -Since Zen is a form of Mahayana Buddhism, it is grounded on the schema of the bodhisattva path, which is based on the practice of the “transcendent virtues” or “perfections” (Skt.

Detailed explanation-4: -Various samurai clans struggled for power during the Kamakura and Ashikaga shogunates. Zen Buddhism spread among the samurai in the 13th century and helped to shape their standards of conduct, particularly overcoming the fear of death and killing, but among the general populace Pure Land Buddhism was favored.