Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 3

Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 3

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight May 23, 2025 Duration: 27:42

Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 3

Hello and welcome to the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious traditions in Asia other than Buddhism. Buddhism never existed in a vacuum, and as it has spread all across East Asia, it has developed, localized, and syncretized with local traditions in fascinating and significant ways. As such, we cannot provide a complete picture of East Asian without discussing those local traditions such as they were and are. Disclaimer: this series is very basic and introductory, and does not and cannot paint a complete picture of these religious traditions as they are in the present or throughout history. Today, we will be continuing our discussion of Shinto, a very historically and culturally significant religious tradition in Japan. We hope you enjoy

Resources: Hardacre, Helen (1991). Shintō and the state, 1868–1988 (1st paperback print. ed.). Princeton: Princeton University Press. ISBN 9780691020525.; Josephson, Jason Ānanda (2012). The Invention of Religion in Japan. University of Chicago Press. p. 133. ISBN 978-0226412344.; Breen, John (1 July 2010). "Resurrecting the Sacred Land of Japan: The State of Shinto in the Twenty-First Century". Japanese Journal of Religious Studies. doi:10.18874/jjrs.37.2.2010.295-315; Teeuwen, Mark; Breen, John (2010). A new history of shinto. Chicester: Wiley-Blackwell (an imprint of John Wiley & Sons). ISBN 9781405155168.

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host



Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Bright On Buddhism
Podcast Episodes
Research Project Series - The Icchantika Problem in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:01
Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - The Icchantika Problem in Buddhism Join me as I discuss the Icchantika problem in Buddhism. Resources: Gethin, Rupert. He who sees dhamma sees dhammas: dhamma in early buddh…
Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 2 Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:47
Bright on Buddhism - Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 2 Part 1 Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 1 of DT Suzuki's translation of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra! Resources: Lindtner, Christian (1992). The Lankavatarasutra in Early…
Buddhish 16 - The Matrix as Buddhist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:34
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 16 - The Matrix as Buddhist Join us as we analyze the famous 1999 sci-fi movie The Matrix as containing Buddhist elements, allegories, and motifs. Do you have a question about Buddhi…
Do Buddhists reject the world? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:10
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 95 - Do Buddhists reject the world? Do Buddhists believe that life is nothing but suffering? Are Buddhists fatalists or nihilists? Resources: Davis, Bret W. 2004. "Zen After Zarathustra: The…
How ought we understand sex in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:08
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 94 - How ought we understand sex in Buddhism? What is the meaning and significance of the doctrine prohibiting sexual indiscretion? How have understandings of this doctrine changed over time?…
Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:54
Bright on Buddhism - Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 1 Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 1 of DT Suzuki's translation of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra! Resources: Lindtner, Christian (1992). The Lankavatarasutra in Early Indian…
Asian Religions Series - Daoism Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:25
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Daoism Part 1 Hello and welcome to the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious traditions in Asia other than Buddhism. Buddhism never existed…
What is Risshō Kōsei Kai? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:32
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 93 - What is Risshō Kōsei Kai? What are its doctrinal roots? What are its historical origins? Resources: Anderson, Richard W. (1994). "Risshō Kōseikai and the Bodhisattva way: Religious ideal…
Kōan Series - Hyakujō and The Fox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:38
Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 10 - Hyakujō and The Fox Hello and welcome to a new episode of the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss real Buddhist kōans to try and better understand them. We…