Bushidō and the Buddhist Path

Unconcerned with lavish attire, devoted to strict discipline, living simply and honorably, ready to sacrifice for the greater good, and embracing life and death with equanimity—when bushidō met Zen Buddhism, it was a perfect match.

While Western chivalry draws from Christian faith, Japanese bushidō draws from Shinto, Confucianism, and Zen Buddhism. Samurai cultivated their character and inner strength through Zen practice. Zen’s emphasis on calm, focus, and introspection helped warriors train their minds and face life-or-death situations with composure—showing neither arrogance in victory nor despair in defeat.

Hōjō Tokimune of the Kamakura shogunate received Zen training from a young age. When the Mongols launched a major invasion, he responded with extraordinary composure and leadership, earning the admiration of his Zen teacher.

The Way of Tea and Zen

On the battlefield, samurai made swift, decisive moves; yet when drinking tea, they were courteous, poised, and light-hearted. Japanese monks who studied in China during the Tang dynasty brought back the Zen practice of drinking three cups of tea after meals, along with the idea that “tea and Zen are one.” These traditions laid the foundation for what would become the Japanese Way of Tea (茶道).

Like Chinese tea customs, Japanese tea ceremonies emphasize courtesy, mutual respect, and harmonious relationships. Tea master Sen no Rikyū’s four principles—harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility—embody both etiquette and Zen philosophy.

“Purity” points to freedom from distraction; “tranquility” refers to stillness of mind and detachment from desire. Tea rooms are intentionally simple and unadorned, with Zen calligraphy providing spiritual focus. The principle of ichi-go ichi-e—treasuring each encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime event—stems from the Buddhist teaching of impermanence.

Karesansui Gardens and the Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic

Famous sites like Ginkaku-ji and the abbot’s garden at Nanzen-ji in Kyoto are must-visits for travelers and prime examples of Japanese karesansui (dry landscape) gardens.

Inspired by the spacious simplicity of Chinese ink paintings, the karesansui style emerged in Japan during the Muromachi period. Rocks symbolize mountains, and raked white gravel suggests flowing water—simulated waterfalls cascade from artificial peaks. “Seeing mountains as not mountains, water as not water,” the viewer is invited to imagine nature’s movement through still forms.

Zen cosmology is also reflected in garden design. For example, a central stone might symbolize Mt. Sumeru, the center of the Buddhist universe; a group of three stones can represent the Western Pure Land’s trinity of Buddhas.

As for the popular wabi-sabi aesthetic seen in today’s interior design—marked by rustic simplicity, muted tones, and generous use of empty space—its roots lie in the Buddhist Three Marks of Existence: impermanence, suffering, and non-self.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving the Japanese people a refined and thoughtful nature that cherishes and preserves cultural tradition. They take pride in their heritage—may You open their eyes to see that You are the source of all peoples and nations, and that every beautiful culture in the world reflects the depths of Your wisdom and richness. Lead them beyond tradition to seek deeper spiritual wisdom and the fullness of life that comes from You. May they be moved by the beauty of Christ and the glory of Your Kingdom culture. Father, the missionaries, pastors, and believers in Japan are Your cultural ambassadors. Help them find points of connection in Japanese culture that open the door for the gospel and reflect the spirit of Christ. May the Holy Spirit touch those who are listening, that their hearts would resonate with the Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.