The Otani faction of the Jodo-Shinshu sect of Buddhism, one of the major Buddhism groups in Japan, has decided to implement a cashless donation system to reduce the frequency of touching cash as a countermeasure against the coronavirus.
Some in the Buddhist community in Japan oppose the new donation system, saying it could infringe on a person's religious freedom by allowing third parties to obtain their personal information. However, the sect said the decision was made because the central government listed electronic payments as an example of a "new way of life" that could help combat the coronavirus.
The faction set up panels with QR codes for its electronic payment service in two locations in Kyoto on Monday. One was placed at its main temple Higashi-Hongwanji and the other at the Otani Mausoleum, where the remains of Shinran -- the founder of the sect -- are housed.
Worshippers can read the information on their smartphones and enter the amount they would like to donate. Donations can also be made using a credit card at the reception desk.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
