Japanese meaning of 神仏習合
Reading:
しんぶつしゅうごう (shinbutsu shuugou)
English Translation:
Syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
The syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan.
Cultural Context:
An important historical phenomenon that shaped Japanese temples, shrines, and religious practices until the Meiji Restoration.
日本における神道と仏教の習合。
明治維新まで日本の寺社や宗教儀礼を形作った重要な歴史的現象。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “の文化” or “が進む” to describe the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan (“神仏習合の文化”).
• Used in historical, religious, and cultural discussions.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be taken as a temporary cooperation, but it refers to a deep, long-term blending of beliefs and practices.
Example
Basic Example
この神社は神仏習合の名残がある。
This shrine still bears traces of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism.
Applied Example
神社の鳥居をくぐるとすぐ隣に仏像があり、神仏習合の不思議な空気が漂っていた。
Passing through the shrine’s torii, a Buddha statue stood right next to it — the strange air of Shinto-Buddhism syncretism lingered.