Journeys in Japan

Kamakura, Kanagawa: Discovering Japan's samurai spirit (1x5)

Udgivelsesdato: Apr 13, 2010

Kamakura lies on the coast to the south of Tokyo, surrounded on three sides by hills, and looking out to the sea. Eight centuries ago, a samurai warrior seized power and set up his capital here. Today on "journeys in japan", our reporters search out the samurai spirit that's been passed down since ancient times. First they visit a shrine called Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Established nearly 1,000 years ago, it's the best-known symbol of the city. One aspect of the warrior spirit of the samurai still lives on at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Engakuji is a Zen temple. It was founded in 1282 by a Buddhist priest from China, who was invited to the shogunate. It is one of the city's main temples. The teachings of Zen were considered very important for the warriors. For about 20 minutes they sit and meditate, facing out toward the garden. Slowly the start to feel a sense of quiet and peace, free from the stress of everyday thoughts. Since the days of the samurai, it was thought that practicing zazen gave the warriors great depths of psychological strength. The philosophy of Zen underlay the spirit of the samurai. That spirit can still be found here in Kamakura.