It is often said that Japanese people are born Shinto and die Buddhists. As a matter of fact, most Japanese people are not observant of one religion specifically, but will make an occasional visit to the local shrine or temple, or take part in celebrations of Japan’s two main religions independently. In the community, Buddhist priests used to be people you could talk to in order to seek advice. However, with time, Buddhism in Japan has been more and more associated with funerals, leading people to forget that Buddhism is actually a religion of life.
The Mad Monk: Rasputin and the Fall of the Romanovs
Grigori Rasputin, often referred to as “The Mad Monk,” was a mysterious and controversial figure whose influence played a significant role in the downfall…