Final answer:
In East Asia, Buddhism, especially the Mahayana tradition, is the universalizing religion that has most intermingled with ethnic religions like Shintoism in Japan. Practitioners commonly engage in Shinto rituals for life events while using Buddhist practices for funerary rites.
Step-by-step explanation:
In East Asia, Buddhism is the universalizing religion that has most mingled with ethnic religions, namely Shintoism in Japan. Shintoism itself is characterized by its veneration of ancestors and kami, which are divine forces connected to nature, without a centralized scripture or doctrine. This contrast emphasizes the flexibility of Shintoism and its interwoven quality with daily life and customs in Japan.
Buddhism, particularly the Mahayana tradition, has been adaptable and is seen as compatible with other belief systems, including Shintoism. In Japan, it’s common for individuals to practice Shinto rituals associated with life and celebrations, such as weddings, while turning to Buddhism for matters related to death, such as funerals. The mingling of practices from Buddhism and Shintoism reflects a unique religious landscape where adherence to multiple faiths is normal.
Throughout history, during periods like the Heian and Kofun, Buddhism was promoted alongside Shintoism, with the latter's practice being crucial to the Japanese cultural and spiritual identity. This religious dynamism illustrates how Japan’s ethnic and universalizing religions coexist, offering a rich tapestry of spiritual and cultural practices that remain significant in modern times.