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Issues of Concern for Temples in Modern Japan

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Situation Former study
Details Temples in the Rinzai and Ōbaku schools, as well as supporters and others connected with those temples, were surveyed on issues of central importance in contemporary Japanese Buddhism, particularly: 1) relations between temples and temple supporters (danka); 2) the role of temple wives; 3) the role of nuns. The project, consisting of the survey itself and the analysis of the data, was conducted between June 1997 and the end of 2002. The initial stage of the project involved the preparation and mailing of questionnaires to priests (jūshoku) regarding the present circumstances of temples in Japan. The results were analyzed, published under the title “Report on the Contemporary Situation of Temples in Japan” 寺院現況調査報告書, and distributed in May, 1999, to all temples in the Rinzai and Ōbaku schools.
          Separate questionnaires were subsequently sent out to temple supporters, temple wives, and nuns. The findings of the survey of temple supporters were published under the title “Supporters Views on Temples” 檀信徒からみた寺院, and the findings of the surveys of nuns and temple wives were published under the title “The Standpoint of Women Living in Temples” 寺に生きる女性の立場. All temples in the Rinzai and Ōbaku schools received copies of the former report in December, 2000, and of the latter report in June, 2002.
Name of group
leader and members
Group leader: Horio Tsutomu堀尾 孟
Group Members: Shimazaki Gikō 島崎義孝, Kuzuha Bokusan葛葉睦山, Shirai Tainen 白井大然, Takahashi Tsūhō 高橋通方, Kawamoto Hakumyō 川本博明, Takai Shōshun 高井正俊, Toga Shōryū 栂 正隆, Nakagawa Kōdō 中川弘道, Kōno Gihō 河野義方.