The economic ethics of Japanese traditional religion - On the case of Shimhak

일본(日本) 전통종교(傳統宗敎)의 경제윤리(經濟倫理) -심학(心學)을 중심으로

The purpose of this paper is to make clear the relation of traditional religion with economic ethics and attitude in Japan. I selected Shimhak(心學) of Japanese traditional religions to analyze because it has been said that Shimhak was related to the modern ethics of merchants in Japan. The contents of this paper is composed of two parts. First, the religious character of Shimhak is discussed. I will analyze the relation of Shinto, Buddhism and Confucianism to Shimhak to certify the syncretism of Japanese religion. Second, the economic ethics of Shimhak is discussed. I will make clear the historical significance of Shimhak in modern Japan, and the relation of the economic ethics of Shimhak with the spirit of Japanese capitalism. This paper will be useful to make out the social influence of Japanese traditional religion, to estimate the sustaining mode of traditional value and ethics in Japan in the future.