Ch. 8.2 - Art & Culture in Heian

How was the Buddhism of the Japanese nobles different from the Buddhism of the common people?

• The common people attended regular religious services.

• The nobles focused more on good behavior than on faith.

• Common people focused more on lengthy meditation sessions.

• Elaborate rituals were practiced by nobles but not by common people.

Which of the following is a characteristic of Pure Land Buddhism?

• elaborate tea ceremonies

• daily communal rituals

• raked gravel gardens

• chanting Buddha's name

Zen Buddhism stressed that people trying to achieve wisdom should seek

• war.

• good behavior.

• self-discipline and meditation.

• help from God.

Why did Japanese nobles in the city of Heian call themselves "dwellers among the clouds"?

• They chose to live in very tall buildings.

• Their court was located in a foggy valley.

• They built their city in the sky.

• Their lives were easy and removed from the rest of Japan.

Who wrote many of the great works of early Japanese literature?

• emperors

• peasant boys

• noble women

• Buddhist monks

Which of the following most fully describes Heian paintings?

• scenes from nature or court life, bright and bold colors

• scenes from battles, bright and bold colors

• scenes from religious stories, dark and gloomy colors

• scenes from nature, scenes from court life, soft colors

Noh drama combined which main performance elements?

• acting and juggling

• jumping and acrobatics

• music, speaking, and dance

• math, science, and geography

Why was the "Tale of Genji" so influential?

• It was an accurate depiction of the lives of nobles. It also influenced religious leaders.

• It was an accurate depiction of the lives of nobles. It also influenced painters.

• It was considered the first great religious guide. It described important rituals.

• It was the only piece of literature written by a Japanese woman. It also influenced poets.

While the royal court of Heian was the center of art and learning, what was going on in the rest of Japan?

• Villages were ruled by Mongols.

• The government ruled wisely and fairly over all of Japan.

• Powerful nobles fought each other over land.

• The Shinto religion began.