両部神道 · りょうぶしんとう · history

Ryōbu Shintō

A syncretic Shinto school incorporating Buddhist elements.

Definition

Ryōbu Shintō, or 'Two Sections Shintō,' is a syncretic movement that harmonizes Shinto and Esoteric Buddhism (Shingon). Originating in the Heian period, it emphasizes the interaction of kami and Buddhist deities, leading to the notion that they represent different aspects of the same ultimate reality. This school became particularly influential in the development of Shinto rituals that integrate Buddhist practices, thus reshaping both religions into a more cohesive spiritual framework.

Etymology

The name 'Ryōbu' means 'two sections,' indicating the conflation of two religious traditions.