Go-benefit (goriyaku) is one of the key concepts in traditional Japanese religious beliefs and faith. Go-benefit refers to the benefit or favor obtained by praying to gods and Buddha, to nature, or to a specific place or thing. Gokatsu has been believed by many people since ancient times to fulfill specific wishes in daily life, such as good health, business prosperity, family safety, and academic success. However, there is a deep historical and cultural background behind the birth of these blessings. In this issue, we would like to explore the “mysteries of go-benefits” and get closer to the profound world of go-benefits.
The Mystery of Gokatsu (1) What is the Shinto/Buddhist syncretism that transformed the concept of Gokatsu?
The concept of “go-benefit” originated in the nature worship and Shinto beliefs of ancient Japan. Ancient people found sacred power in natural phenomena, plants and animals, and sought to borrow such power by worshipping them. For example, mountains, rivers, trees, and other natural objects were considered sacred, and people prayed to them for safety and a good harvest.
However, when Buddhism was introduced to Japan during the Nara and Heian periods, Shinto and Buddhist beliefs merged, giving birth to a new religious culture in the form of “Shinto/Buddhist syncretism. Shin Buddhist syncretism refers to a state of fusion and harmony between Buddhism and Shintoism on an equal footing. It means to combine them while respecting each other’s doctrines and beliefs.
Why did Shintoism and Shintoism merge in Japan?
The Mystery of the Benefits (2): How did the combination of Shinto and Buddhism affect the benefits of Buddhism?
Ancient Japanese deities were deified spirits of natural phenomena and ancestors, and had aspects of worldly benefits such as fertility and prosperity of descendants.
Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 6th century, but an indigenous spiritual culture called Shinto already existed in Japan at that time. The Buddhist side believed that in order for Buddhism to take root in Japanese society, it was essential to harmonize it with Shintoism, so they devised a strategy to fuse Buddhism and Shintoism. This was the birth of the Shinto-Buddhist syncretism. The birth of the Shinto-Buddhist syncretism was a way to meet the diverse religious needs of the people, such as healing illness, prosperous business, and the prosperity of one’s descendants. When Buddhism was first introduced to Japan, the Buddha, as a new god from abroad, tended to emphasize salvation in the next life rather than benefits in this life.
However, as Buddhism spread, the Honji Suijaku theory emerged, in which Japanese gods were regarded as incarnations of Buddha, and gods and Buddha came to be regarded as one and the same. The Honji-suijaku theory is one of the Japanese beliefs in the syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism, which holds that Japanese deities are actually incarnations of various Buddha incarnate entities.
As a result, prayers to the gods began to be offered in temples, and the salvific aspect of Buddhism in the afterlife and the beneficial aspect of Japanese deities in the present world began to merge.
During the Heian period (794-1185), esoteric Buddhism was introduced, and esoteric prayer, which emphasized the benefits of this life, began to flourish.
Esoteric Buddhist prayers were performed for various worldly benefits, such as prayers for healing illnesses, warding off bad luck, and victory in battle, and attracted the faith of the people.
In addition, based on the principle of “Honji-daruhaku” (manifestation of true nature by manifestation), the idea of the union of Shintoism and Buddhism was further advanced, and it came to be believed that Shintoism and Buddhism were one and the same and protected people.
As a result, temples became deeply rooted in people’s lives as places to pray to the gods and Buddha.
In the medieval and early modern periods, visits to Ise Jingu Shrine became popular among common people, and visits to shrines in various regions also flourished.
At temples, various prayers based on the syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism were offered in response to people’s worldly desires.
For example, people prayed to the Yakushi Nyorai for healing illnesses, to the Kannon for safe childbirth, and to the Tenjin for academic success, among other gods and Buddha deities.
This belief in the benefits of Shintoism and Buddhism became an integral part of people’s lives and deeply rooted in Japan’s religious culture.
Even today, many people still pray for the blessings of the gods and Buddha through visits to shrines and temples, as well as through the gifts they receive, such as amulets and charms, and it can be said that the tradition of Shintoism and Buddhism is deeply rooted in Japanese religious culture.
Although the Honji-dakujaku theory was officially rejected by the Shinto/Buddhist Separation Order in the early Meiji period (1868-1912), it is still deeply rooted in Japanese religious culture today. For example, the presence of temple-like buildings and Buddhist statues in shrines is a remnant of the Honji-jujaku theory.
The Honji-suijaku theory is an important concept in understanding how Japanese people have believed in gods and Buddha.
The Mystery of the Benefits (3): Where are the places of blessings in the Kansai region?
In the Kansai region, there are many famous shrines and temples that have been visited by people seeking various types of blessings since ancient times. The following are some of the representative places of merit.
Prosperity in business
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (Osaka City) is dedicated to the god of business, and the Setsubun Festival on January 8 every year is very crowded.
Sangyo Gokoku Shrine (Osaka City) is widely known as a guardian deity of economy and industry.
Love is fulfilled here.
Umemiya Taisha Shrine (Osaka City), visited around the time of the fragrant ume plum blossoms, is famous as the god of marriage.
Ikuta Shrine (Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture), located in Ikuta Shrine (Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture), is widely known for its blessings of matchmaking and love fulfillment. One of the summer festivals held at the shrine is the Kotobuki Festival, a great festival of matchmaking on July 1. The lucky charms given to male and female visitors to the shrine are very popular.
Thus, there are a wide range of shrines, temples, and spots in Kansai that meet people’s wishes, and the region continues to be a popular place for worship.
