What did Zen Buddhism contribute to Japanese culture?

the answer choices are
A. a focus on self-reliance, meditation, and devotion to duty
B. a focus on increasing military power
C. a decrease in the development of art and drama
D. dependence of customs and traditions of china

And your answer is? This should help you decide:

http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhism-schools/zen-buddhism.html

NOT B

its A thanks everyone.

Right.

which statement best describes korea's relationship with china during the sill and the koryo dynasties?

The correct answer is A. Zen Buddhism contributed to Japanese culture by promoting a focus on self-reliance, meditation, and devotion to duty.

To arrive at this answer, one can first analyze the question and identify the subject, which is Zen Buddhism's contribution to Japanese culture. Then, one can proceed to review the available answer choices and evaluate each option.

Option A states that Zen Buddhism emphasized self-reliance, meditation, and devotion to duty. This is consistent with the principles of Zen Buddhism, which places a strong emphasis on personal discipline, introspection, and an individual's responsibility towards society. These values have had a profound impact on various aspects of Japanese culture, including art, literature, tea ceremony, martial arts, and even daily life.

Option B suggests that Zen Buddhism focused on increasing military power. While Zen Buddhism certainly influenced the Samurai warrior class in Japan, it would be inaccurate to say that its sole focus was on military power. Zen Buddhism's teachings were more centered around personal enlightenment and individual discipline, rather than militaristic ambitions.

Option C states that Zen Buddhism led to a decrease in the development of art and drama. This is not accurate as Zen Buddhism had a significant influence on various art forms and contributed to the development of Japanese aesthetics. Zen principles played a role in inspiring contemplative and minimalist artistic expressions like Zen gardens, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and traditional performing arts such as Noh and Kyogen.

Option D suggests that Zen Buddhism in Japan was characterized by a dependence on the customs and traditions of China. While Zen Buddhism originated in China, it developed its own unique Japanese expressions and interpretations over time. Japanese Zen schools, such as Rinzai and Soto, evolved independently, incorporating elements from indigenous Japanese culture and philosophy.

In conclusion, after carefully considering all the options, A is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the contributions of Zen Buddhism to Japanese culture.