Why did Kamikaze pilots think that they were going to heaven?

Question

My understanding of Shinto and Buddhism is that neither has an afterlife quite like the Christian concept, except that Buddhism has Nirvana. Did the pilots really think that they would reach Nirvana by killing themselves and the enemy? How could they think that?

What I mean is: What is their concept of heaven? What religion is the basis for heaven in this context? It does not seem to jive with Buddhism or Shinto.

Answer 1

kamikaze pilots in japan did not just intend to fly out and fly themselves into objects to show that they were crazy and not to be screwed with .They had no choice in the matter if they did not fly and kill themselves they had no way of pertecting their home land.The matter of the fact was that the U.S.A had put an embargo on japan that was cutting off their oil supply so the Japanese only had enough fuel to fly a one way trip if was to do any help to their country. Being that they are a very loyal and proud race that recently came out of a samurai controlled area, they naturally would be inclined to give their life, as what is life without death?karma is karma and if they did not reach nirvana they would be reincarnated to join the cycle of life.It was a noble way to die to give ones life for another. They as a counrty would have all given up their lives for their king but in the end the king gave his(his monarchy) Knowing his people would all give their lives up for him..... to be admired I would like to think! (read the shogun series to learn a little about their way of thinking and life styles)

Answer 2

Must be for the same reason that the followers of Osama Bin Laden decided to destroy themselves and people they regard as their enemies. Or perhaps Osa's followers might have a greater motivation dan Hirohito's pilots, since they will be rewarded with 7 brides as soon as they entered heaven after the success of their mission in blowing themselves to pieces.

Answer 3

No, it was nothing to do with heaven. It was seen as honourable to die for one's country and for the Japanese emperor. They weren't doing it for an afterlife but for present-day life... so Japan could win.

Only the Muslims blow themselves up because of the promise of heaven and the free virgin collection.

Answer 4

The original meaning of kamikaze is "Devine Wind".
It is assumed that Devine refers to Godly and they thought the Devine Wind would send them to heaven in a noble act.

Answer 5

To die in battle was a noble death that they could be proud of.

To be defeated was the ultimate humiliation. It was not about getting to heaven, but of dying a worthy death and avoiding the humiliation of subjugation.

Answer 6

The same way Muslim terrorist believe that there are 70 virigins waiting in heaven for them if they martyr themselves (and what happens on the 71st day? no more virgins?...hehe). The same way Christians believe that heaven even exists.

Answer 7

muslims beleiving 72 virgins in heaven, japanese kamikaze's beleiving in heaven for their acts. Its called brainwashing. The most important thing to remember or understand is that the person who is making them do it would never do it themselves. right, osama?

Answer 8

It was not for an afterlife, but for honor, the nobility of it. This was the greatest gift a warrior could give to his country.

Answer 9

ask your self????!!!! Are you extreme with this stupid question? Oh I even have in basic terms an identical question, do depraved George W.Bush and his maximum depraved acquaintances bypass to Heaven? think of what number Iraqis and Afganis they have killed? quite one hundred thousand situations greater effective than eleven/9 who Israelis did it via Bin encumbered...

Answer 10

It was for the same reason that the Muslims murder others and themselves, to get to Moslem's "heaven".