Why do Japanese Buddhist Monks marry?

 

Why do Japanese Buddhist Monks marry?

By Bhante Dr. Gangodawila Chandima 

The reason why Japanese monks marry is a complex one, and there are a variety of factors that contribute to it.

One of the main reasons is that Japanese Buddhism has a long history of syncretism with other religions, including Shintoism. In Shintoism, marriage is seen as a sacred union, and it is not uncommon for priests to be married. This syncretism has led to a situation in which Japanese Buddhism has come to view marriage in a more positive light than some other forms of Buddhism.

Another reason why Japanese monks marry is that there is a shortage of monks in Japan. This is due to a number of factors, including the declining birth rate and the increasing secularization of Japanese society. As a result, there are simply not enough monks to meet the demand for religious services. This has led some temples to allow monks to marry in order to increase the number of available priests.

Finally, it is important to note that not all Japanese monks marry. There are still many monks who choose to remain celibate. However, the number of married monks is on the rise, and it is likely that this trend will continue in the future.

Here are some additional details about the reasons why Japanese monks marry:

• Syncretism with Shintoism: Japanese Buddhism has a long history of syncretism with other religions, including Shintoism. In Shintoism, marriage is seen as a sacred union, and it is not uncommon for priests to be married. This syncretism has led to a situation in which Japanese Buddhism has come to view marriage in a more positive light than some other forms of Buddhism.
• Shortage of monks: There is a shortage of monks in Japan. This is due to a number of factors, including the declining birth rate and the increasing secularization of Japanese society. As a result, there are simply not enough monks to meet the demand for religious services. This has led some temples to allow monks to marry in order to increase the number of available priests.
• Personal choice: Some monks choose to marry because they believe that it is the best way to live their lives. They may feel that marriage allows them to better fulfill their religious duties, or they may simply want to experience the joys of married life.

It is important to note that not all Japanese monks marry. There are still many monks who choose to remain celibate. However, the number of married monks is on the rise, and it is likely that this trend will continue in the future.