an be written in two ways, vertically, from right to left, or horizontally, from top to bottom. Although vertically is the traditional style, both exist side by side.
             Shinto and Buddhism are the two major religions of Japan. These religions are not mutually exclusive. It is believed that Shinto is for this life and Buddhism is for the afterlife. There is also a Christianity influence. Estimates of the number of Christians vary from less than 1 to 3 percent of the total population. However, religion is not an important factor in the every day life of the Japanese. It is not uncommon for a Japanese person to pray for luck at shrines, marry in a Protestant church, and have a Buddhist funeral ceremony. Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BC. It consists of the teachings of the Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha. Buddhists believe that human life is full of suffering due to worldly desires, illness, death, and the loss of loved ones. One can achieve the state of Nirvana and escape suffering and the circle of reincarnation by getting rid of desires and attachments. Today, nearly 90 million people consider themselves Buddhists in Japan. Funerals are usually carried out in the Buddhist way.
             Shinto (the way of the gods) is the indigenous faith and is as old a
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