Japanese Temple Buddhism during COVID-19
Based on the observation that some Buddhist temples were able to profit from the covid-19 epidemic while others suffered catastrophic losses in income, this article examines Buddhist responses to the novel coronavirus across an economic divide. In introducing case studies, I outline a broad spectrum...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article (Journal) |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2021
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| In: |
Bulletin of the Nanzan Institute for Religion & Culture
Year: 2021, Volume: 45, Pages: 21-47 |
| Online Access: | Resolving-System, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://nirc.nanzan-u.ac.jp/journal/3/article/164/pdf/download
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| Author Notes: | Tim Graf |
| Summary: | Based on the observation that some Buddhist temples were able to profit from the covid-19 epidemic while others suffered catastrophic losses in income, this article examines Buddhist responses to the novel coronavirus across an economic divide. In introducing case studies, I outline a broad spectrum of practices, soteriologies, and temple management styles. The first part on divine protection focuses on Banshōji, a popular prayer temple in downtown Nagoya. Banshōji experienced record sales in prayer rituals during the pandemic. I then situate these findings within the broader context of discourse on religion after the March 2011 disasters, which leads me into questions regarding post-pandemic religious innovation and Buddhism’s role as a social contributor in times of epidemics and crises. The final part suggests that the priests most vulnerable to covid-19 related disruptions, namely social distancing measures, are those who used to make a living by participating in larger funerals at various temples and sites with-out managing a temple or parish community of their own. |
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| Physical Description: | Online Resource |