Question

Which of the following best describes the influence of new forms of buddhism in medieval Japan?
A. Buddhism became popular as a religion that was brand new to medieval Japan
B. new forms of buddhism appealed to multiple social classes, with peasants and lower-ranking people turning to pure land Buddhism and warriors drawn to Zen buddhism
C. Zen Buddhism did not appeal to the Japanese because they did not like its focus on self-reliance and discipline
D. members of the warrior class did not follow any of the new forms of religion at all

Answer 1

B. new forms of Buddhism appealed to multiple social classes, with peasants and lower-ranking people turning to Pure Land Buddhism and warriors drawn to Zen Buddhism.

This option accurately reflects the social dynamics of medieval Japan, where different forms of Buddhism attracted various social groups. Pure Land Buddhism, with its focus on devotion and salvation, appealed to the common people, while Zen Buddhism, emphasizing meditation and discipline, resonated with the samurai and warrior class.