Answer:
To understand how Ryoan-ji illustrates religious syncretism in Japan, let us first define the term "religious syncretism."
Religious syncretism blends two or more religious belief systems into a new distinct system. It is not the same as multiple religious belonging or polytheism, which is practiced by many, even when they profess one religious belief.
For example, the Ryoan-ji houses the Zen Buddhist temple site. Zen was imported from China in the 12th century CE. In the Ryoan-ji temple, rocks (belief system from Shinto) are carefully laid and the environment encourages contemplation (from Buddhism), without the study of sacred texts, for the purpose of attaining enlightenment.
Explanation:
Shinto is practiced in Japan as the worship of natural things and kami, which represent infinite number of gods. Buddhism is imported into Japan from China. It emphasizes enlightenment through the practice and development of morality, meditation, and wisdom. Buddhists strongly believe that life is both endless and subject to impermanence, suffering, and uncertainty.
