Mappō

Definition

Mappō refers to the Buddhist concept of the 'Latter Days of the Law,' a period believed to be characterized by the decline of true Buddhist teachings and practices. This idea arose in response to the perception that, as time progresses, the ability of people to practice Buddhism effectively diminishes, leading to a spiritual decay that is reflected in literature and culture during the Kamakura period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mappō reflects a belief that society will experience moral decay and a loss of genuine spiritual practice over time, making it harder for people to attain enlightenment.
2. The concept became increasingly significant during the Kamakura period as various Buddhist sects sought to address the challenges posed by mappō through new teachings and practices.
3. Literary works from this time often express themes of despair and longing for spiritual salvation, resonating with the notion of mappō.
4. Prominent figures like Hōnen and Shinran sought to offer hope amid mappō by promoting simpler paths to enlightenment, particularly through Pure Land practices.
5. Mappō has had a lasting impact on Japanese culture, influencing not only religious thought but also arts, literature, and social attitudes towards spirituality.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of mappō influence the themes present in Kamakura literature?
  • Mappō influences Kamakura literature by highlighting themes of despair, moral decline, and longing for spiritual redemption. Many literary works from this period reflect a deep awareness of societal decay and the perceived inability of individuals to achieve enlightenment due to the waning of true Buddhist teachings. This pervasive sentiment shaped narratives that often focused on characters seeking solace or answers in an increasingly chaotic world.
• Discuss how different Buddhist sects during the Kamakura period responded to the challenges posed by mappō.
  • During the Kamakura period, different Buddhist sects such as Pure Land Buddhism and Zen sought to address the challenges posed by mappō by offering accessible paths to enlightenment. Hōnen emphasized reliance on Amitabha Buddha for rebirth in the Pure Land, while Shinran further simplified this approach, focusing on faith as essential for salvation. Zen Buddhism promoted meditation as a means to attain immediate insight, adapting practices to help individuals navigate the spiritual challenges posed by mappō.
• Evaluate the long-term cultural implications of mappō on Japanese literature and art beyond the Kamakura period.
  • The concept of mappō has had profound long-term cultural implications on Japanese literature and art, instilling themes of existential reflection and spiritual quest throughout subsequent periods. The awareness of moral decline prompted artistic expressions that explore human suffering, hope for redemption, and encounters with the divine. This ongoing influence can be seen in later literary works and visual arts that continue to grapple with concepts of impermanence and the search for meaning in a world perceived as increasingly chaotic.

Related terms

Kamakura Period: A historical era in Japan (1185-1333) marked by political upheaval, the rise of the samurai class, and significant developments in Buddhism.

Shingon Buddhism: A major school of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism that emphasizes rituals, mantras, and meditation, gaining prominence during the Kamakura period.

Pure Land Buddhism: A branch of Mahayana Buddhism focused on the belief in Amitabha Buddha and the promise of rebirth in the Pure Land, which became popular during the Kamakura period.