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Three Teachings as One: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism

In China, there are three teachings that interact in a way that seems a bit strange to the Western Worlds. The three teachers--Confucius, Siddhartha, and Lao Tzu-- are respected representatives of Ninja Assassin three major religious views: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

Japan would also be influenced by these teachings. Furthermore, the films of ninja can be measured by the degrees to which these ideas are prevalent.

One does not have to give up one to believe in another. Indeed, belief in all three simultaneously is fine. Of course, today there are Christians and Muslims in China. However, the three teachings first mentioned are those which were accepted by the ruling classes and the people as helping to define the ways of being Chinese.

Yes, these views can contradict each other, but the Chinese believe in a plurality and a philosophical way of combining these teachings. In a sense, it is incorrect to separate them. It become even more difficult to say which deity is Taoist and which is Buddhist. A Buddhist temple will have Taoist symbols and a Taoist temple with have Buddhist icons represented as Taoist figures.

In Japan, all three teachings live side by side with no problems. Such teachings affected the ninja.

The Impact of the Teachings to the Ninja

When examining samurai stories of Japan, try to ask how each teaching can interpret the story.

Confucianism: morality, ethics, filial piety, political, patriarchal, right action, education.

Taoism: transformation, longevity, immortality, health, alchemy

Buddhism: rebirth, renunciation, transcending death and rebirth (nirvana), wisdom

Ideals like compassion, filial obligation, and moderation are part of all three religions, and remain important standards defining Japanese character, even if one is Christian.

To the samurai, Confucianism is important because of it teaches respect for authority. Zen Buddhism became important to the samurai because of it direct connect to the moment which is vital in life and death situations.

The Mystical Way of Onmyodo

In Japan, Taoism would morph into a tradition of esoteric philosophy/magical/alchemy called Onmyodo which emphasized the wu xing (the five elements, water, wood, fire, earth, metal) and in'you (yin and yang). The Japanese heavy metal band Onmyou-za celebrates these ideas.

Shintoism: The Way of Nature

While China developed Taoism, Japanese religion emphasized nature which became known as Shintoism. An important aspect of Shintoism is the idea of purity.

Zen and Satori: Enlightenment of the Ninja

Although in zen enlightenment is always "self" earned. The master is always necessary at least as a guide to the boat. The student must enter the vessel and pass over to themonk.jpg other side alone.

Satori

Satori, enlightenment, is only obtained by one's effort or non-effort.

The answer cannot be taught, yet the master can show the direction toward the answer. There is a point where the student is lost and is at the breaking point.

Kufu

Kufu, "sort of spiritual birth pang, " occurs (D.T. Suzuki Zen and Japanese Culture 178). Although spiritual enlightenment may not have been reached by these students, some sort of growth did occur.

Work Cited

Suzuki, D.T. Zen and Japanese Culture

The Seven Samurai (1954): Shichinin no samurai

Akira Kurosawa directed one of the most influential films of all time. Yes, the poetic depiction of violence in the film thrilled some American directors. However, it really is the style of filmmaking mixed with a plot that becomes more influential to future directors.

Plot and Character Development

Perhaps never had an action film contained such a carefully created plot that matched the action scene for scene. The fact is that the action mirrors the characters development to an extent not before realized.

Hollywood action films often miss this point in their action films, but kung fu films like those of Jackie Chan (Hong Hong produced versions) develop the action scenes in a similar fashion.

Only after seeing Yuen Woo Ping talents in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and the Matrix, did Hollywood start to understand the importance of such character development in the action sequences and started to hire Hong Kong action directors.

Those who merely see an action film in Seven Samurai are missing its true impact. At the time, it was the most expensive Japanese film made and took the longest amount of time to create.

The Emperor Rules

It was a huge box office success, extending Kurosawa's reputation as the Emperor of Japanese films.

The Samurai Cast

Each samurai character is important to the film, Seven Samurai. There are actually only six samurai and one farmer, Kikuchiyo, Toshio Mifune.

Thank you for reading this.