ZEN BUDDHISM IN JAPAN (7TH – 16TH CENTURIES) AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE MEDIEVAL SAMURAI CLASS

Abstract

Japan is one of the Eastern countries with a distinctive tradition of Zen Buddhism, in which the relationship between Zen and the Samurai class stands out as a remarkable cultural and religious phenomenon. However, this connection has not yet been fully examined through an interdisciplinary lens. The introduction and development of Zen Buddhism in Japan from the 7th to the 16th centuries not only shaped religious life but also profoundly influenced the inner world, combat mindset, ethics, and aesthetics of the Samurai during the medieval period. This study investigates why a military class adopted and internalized a spiritual tradition rooted in stillness and introspection. Employing historical source analysis and an interdisciplinary approach that bridges philosophy, history, and cultural studies, the paper traces the transmission and evolution of Zen Buddhism in Japan, while also analyzing its role in shaping the spiritual values of the Samurai. In doing so, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of medieval Japanese cultural identity.