Tag Archives: buddhism

Folklore, Movies, Personal/Site Updates, Religion, Theatre

Interview: Monstrous Wives, Murderous Lovers & Dead Wet Girls (Japan Station, JapanKyo.Com)

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Had a fun talk with Antonio (Tony) Vega discussing onryō (怨霊; “vengeful/wrathful ghost”) in the context of Japanese religion/folklore, theatre, as well as contemporary J-horror cinema. Feel free to give it a listen!

Tony’s podcast Japan Station is focused on discovering Japan through conversations with a guest featured on each episode. His podcast covers all aspects of Japan, including the Japanese language, history, Japanese pop culture, food, anime, manga, movies, music, comedy, the impact of Japanese culture around the world, underground social movements, social issues in Japan, and much more.

Articles, Culture, Writings

Summertime Dancing Obon in Japan

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Obon, the Festival of Lanterns

Every summer, people of all ages and religious backgrounds come together, often dressed in yukata, light cotton summer kimono, to celebrate being alive and honor those who have passed on, known as Obon.

The Obon festival, also popularly known as the “Festival of Lanterns”, is a 500-year-old tradition rooted in Japanese Buddhism belief that ancestral spirits return to their homes from the world of the dead during this particular time of year to be with their families.

Traditionally, families light lanterns to welcome and show their ancestors the way home as well as place offerings in the form of food, drinks, and flowers at their graves. l_1821271 The biggest attraction to Obon celebrations, however is the festive and family-friendly atmosphere filled with music, dance, food and good-natured fun. Usually set in the courtyards, lawns, or parking lots of Buddhist temples, families come together to savor some delicious food from the many stalls, play games, and immerse themselves in the lively rhythm of taiko drums. Continue reading Summertime Dancing Obon in Japan →

History, Literature, Papers, Religion, Writings

PAPER: Heart of the Sword

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Written in April 2009 Wrote this based on my research on Zen Buddhism and my love for samurai.

Heart of the Sword: The Relationship Between the Samurai and Zen Buddhism

Surrounded on all sides by an emerald green bamboo grove, a figure stands silently in the center. His eyes are closed, his body poised. Leaves break free from the bamboo trees and drift down. Hearing them flutter, his eyes snap open and he draws his katana. In a flash of light, the leaves are sliced cleanly in two. One would think he is a peerless warrior; they would never guess how hard his heart pounds when he has to charge into battle on horseback. And so he is headed to where he can learn the necessary skills to turn his soul into steel as sharp his blade: a monastery. Zen Buddhism has been often referred to as the “religion” of the samurai, but upon examination it becomes apparent that the samurai’s interest in Zen comes purely from a warrior’s perspective. Despite this, the bond between them is so significant that both Zen and the samurai have been mutually influenced by their interaction, although in slightly different ways. And even centuries after the samurai’s practical need for Zen has waned, Zen is still heavily associated with the samurai and Japanese culture today. Continue reading PAPER: Heart of the Sword →