I am Japanese, I often see foreign tourists showing appreciation to Japanese people by putting their hands together in prayer (gassho) on YouTube and other media. I believe gassho is related to Buddhism.
I would like to talk about this topic. Please note that my impressions of the situation in Asia outside of Japan are based on what I have seen on TV and YouTube.
I would like to explain this point by incorporating my own views along with the answer I received from ChatGPT.
I will add this.I am not an expert in this field. I am an ordinary Japanese person.so I might unintentionally say something that could be perceived as an attack on a specific religion, but that is not my intention.
The Impact of Differences Between Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism？
Buddhism is primarily divided into two main branches.
Theravada Buddhism
- Origins and History: Theravada Buddhism is the earlier form of Buddhism, which developed around the 3rd century BCE.
- Teachings: The focus is on individual liberation (nirvana). Emphasis is placed on self-discipline and self-enlightenment.
- Geographic Distribution: It is mainly practiced in countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
Mahayana Buddhism
- Origins and History: Mahayana Buddhism developed around the 1st century CE, building upon the teachings of Theravada Buddhism.
- Teachings: The focus is on the liberation of all beings. Emphasis is placed on compassion and the salvation of others.
- Geographic Distribution: It is mainly practiced in countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Tibet.
From my personal observations:
I believe that the gesture of putting hands together in prayer (gassho) is often seen in Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Sri Lanka. In Mahayana Buddhist countries such as Japan,China and Korea, it is not commonly practiced. I’m not sure about Vietnam, but Tibetans seem to use gassho. In Japan, Buddhist monks do it. When watching period dramas, I hardly see monks bowing.
Therefore, I don’t think the differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism have much relevance in this practice.
In Japan
In Japan, bowing has been the traditional way of showing respect for a long time.
Most people don’t really pay much attention to the meaning of gassho (合掌, pressing palms together) when someone does it.
Since bowing is ingrained in our culture, most people don’t think much about the meaning or origin of bowing itself.
If someone greets you with gassho, you might return it with gassho. I’ve even seen Japanese actors in Hollywood movies reflexively returning a gassho. Since it’s becoming more common, I think it might have become a habit for some people.
However, in formal or business settings, gassho is generally not used.
Japanese people typically use gassho when
Mainly in the following situations:
- Saying “itadakimasu” (いただきます, thank you for the food) before meals and “gochisousama deshita” (ごちそうさまでした, thank you for the meal) after meals.
- Praying at shrines or temples.
- Praying for the deceased at funerals or grave visits.
- Making a request or apology, such as saying “onegai” (お願い, please) or “gomennasai. Yurushite” (ごめんなさい。許して, I’m sorry. Please forgive me) while pressing their palms together.
In summary
In Japan, we don’t have a custom of greeting people with gassho. We bow instead.
However, unless it’s a formal occasion, most people won’t find it rude if someone greets them with gassho.
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