Introduction
It is clear that
indigenous religion called Shinto has already existed in Japan before Buddhism.
But According to a historical chronicle, Buddhism was officially introduced
into Japan by a king of Paekche in 552 A.D during the time of emperor Kinmei.
After Buddhism was introduced and sent Buddhist icons and ritual objects to
Japanese court by Korean king Paekche, there were some conflict between those
acceptors and rejecters of Buddhism in Japan. On other hand, there is some
Buddhist believers had already existed before Buddhism was officially
introduced; they were Korean and Chinese immigrants, they practiced Buddhism despite
they did not claim themselves as Buddhists. The country was not politically
stable which divided into many provinces and ruled by different clans. Around
third century A.D, Yamato clan emerged as a powerful clan among them and Japan
was gradually united but still not fully unified yet. There were three clans
(Soga, Mononobe, and Nakatomi) who became powerful but lower rank to Yamato
imperial family.
They were collaborated in order to govern the country which
each undertook the responsibilities in different sectors. Each clan was
responsible for the governing for the nation. Soga clan was responsible
management of the imperial estate and finance, and Mononobe clan take on
responsibility for the military affair of imperial family, likewise Nakatomi clan
undertake the duty of rituals and ceremonies of imperial family. And the most
important thing in the history of Japanese Buddhism was that Prince Shotoku
played the most important role to spread of Buddhism in Japan. Buddhism
flourished and under pious Prince Shotoku developed rapidly. Prince Shotoku
played a very important role in government with culture, religion as well as
diplomatic with China and Korea.
The life of Prince Shotoku
According to the Nihon
shoki (The Chronicle of Japan) Prince Shotoku was born in the doorway of horse
stable (umaya) in 547 while his mother was looking around of palace by horse
stable. This was the reason why he was named first as Umayado. He also had
another names but later he became a famous one by the name of Prince Shotuko.
His mother Princess Ahahobe saw gold-colored priest in her dream of a night
before she gave birth to him in a horse stable. She dreamed about a gold priest
entered her womb and said that “I have made a vow to save the world, and to
lodge myself for a time in your highness‘s womb”. Then the Princess
curiously asked the question to him about who he was, he responded that he was
world-saving Bodhisattava, lives in the west. So that in the first day of new year,
she gave birth him in the horse stable when she was sightseeing the palace’s
garden. There is a description about how he had intellectual giant since he was
born.
As early as the
Nihonshoki, he is described as being able to speak the moment he was born and
claims of proved to have such wisdom as an adult that he could attend to attend
to the claims of ten men at once and decide them all without error.[1]
He could even predict
with his a foreknowledge future event or what will happen in near future. When
he was 19 year old in 592, he was appointed regent and he had received
education concerning Buddhism as the son of Buddhist Emperor. He studied the
doctrines of the San-ron and Jo-jitsu schools, under the instruction of the
Korean priests E-ji, E-so and Kwas-roku[2]. So it is clear that he received Buddhist
education since he was young age. For this reason he grown up and became a
great contributor of Buddhism in Japan. He was one of the most important
figures in Japanese history for both political and cultural development. He was
a regent for his aunt, Empress Suiko, and also put his great effort for the
development of Japan. And there were, at that time, two clans Soga and Mononobe
fighting for the throne. After Soga clan defeated Mononobe clan in fighting,
Empress Suiko was throned in 592 and Prince Shotoku was appointed heir
apparent. Prince Shotoku married to Princess Udodonokaidako and performed as
monarch of Japan until his death in 622, So that the Prince Shotuko ruled the
country as head of state from 593 to 622.
And his contribution to spread of Buddhism in Japan was a great success
that he supported entire of his life for Buddhism. And there was a famous theme
that Prince Shotoku stated his wife was that “this world is illusion, the
Buddha alone is true”, displays a knowledge of Buddhism far advanced beyond his
contemporaries.[3]
He has been isolated
for thirty years of his regency that he experienced and aware of the nature of
the world from his personal experience which consisted of living amongst
corrupt relatives and political competition.
The most important
thing to be development of Japanese Buddhism was that Prince Shotoku sent a
mission to China in 607. The mission played the most important role in order to
flourish Japanese Buddhism and culture. Some Japanese monks and students went
to China to study and brought back new knowledge and ideas for the centralized
government. These important connection and contact of Japanese monks and
students with Chinese Buddhism were to establish a great way for the
flourishing of Buddhism in Japan.
Seventeen-Article
Constitution
According to tradition,
Shotoku Taishi composed a ‘Seventeen-article Constitution’ in 604 and akso
wrote commentaries upon three important Buddhist sutras of the day; the
Shomangyo (Srimala simhanada sutra), Yuimagyo (Vimalakirti nindesa sutra) and
Hokekyo (Saddharma pundarika sutra).[4]
Before the end of six
century, the ruler of Japan tried to reform the administration system and
themselves from clan chieftain into fully monarch like the model of Chinese
monarchy. The first step that achieved in the effort to reform of state based
on the form of Chinese political model was Prince Shotoku’s constitution.
Prince Shotoku himself prepared law for the first time in Japanese history.
Prince Shotoku composed a Seventeen-Article Constitution in 604 which shaped
morality and law in Japan. Some modern Japanese scholars criticized and thought
that Prince Shotoku was not qualified enough to write constitution and did not
have a good writing skill. This is why; the constitution has always been
disputed amongst scholars or historians. And the constitution was not basic law
to be governed the country but which more the concept derived from Confucianism
and Buddhism which emphasized on
Buddhist ethic, moral and virtue. So that we can understand Buddhist ideals of
harmony and equality were applied to the state administration. This
constitution charted makes change in the government based on Confucian and
Buddhist come towards statesmanship.
Prince Shotoku was a
pupil or disciple of Eji and he received the Buddhist education from him. After
studied and received Buddhist education from him, he wrote commentaries on
three Buddhist studies, Hokke (Saddaharmapundarika sutra), Yuima (Vimalakirti
nirdesa sutra), and Shoman (Srimala Simhanada sutra). Although there was a
controversial case in term of writing commentaries amongst Buddhist scholars,
it was a great contribution on Buddhism of Prince Shotoku. Buddhist scholars
had highly doubt and could not accept on writing of such most important sutras by
insufficient education.
Some important points
in Seventeen-Article Constitution are as follow.
The first one highlighted
that living harmonious way with each other and building mutual understand each
other is the most important thing in order to have peaceful society. By doing
so, no discrimination, no conflict, no quarrel, but living in peace and
happiness.
The second one
indicated that the tree treasures should be given sincere reverence. The triple
gems are Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. This is the first time in Japan that prince
Shotoku stated in the constitution. This is the reason why Buddhism became
national religion of Japan at that time.
The sixth article
described that punish the evil and reward the good. In this article, Prince
Shotoku applied this article into his administration in order to build the
country in peaceful way.
And the tenth article
said that let us control ourselves and not be resentful when other disagrees
with us. So we can realize that Buddhism teach us to control of our scattered
mind which leads to be peaceful and harmonious society. This article highlight
the most important point in order to build peaceful and harmonious society and
each one of us should have self-control, respect each other and understand the
view of others. Prince Shotoku tried to make administration for his nation in
harmonious way.
A brief explanation of
Prince Shotoku’s commentaries
1.
Saddharmapundrika sutra. It is one of
the most important sutra in Japan which explained one vehicle concept. This
sutra expounded that all sentient beings can attain enlightenment equally
without any distinction between man and woman, even mankind and other sentient
beings. it teach that finally all sentient beings whether mankind or other
beings reach ultimate goal of Buddhism or enlightenment.
2.
Srimaladevisimhanada Sutra. This sutra
is about queen Srimala and Prince Shotoku intended to honor Empress Suiko who
had a devout on Buddhism. And queen Srimala discourse on the practice of one
vehicle. Queen vowed to save all sentient beings through saving herself. As the
same way, Prince Shotoku recognized himself by calling Buddha’s child. And he
had the same idea with queen Srimala that Shotouku took vows in order to save
sentient beings by perfecting himself.
3.
Vimalakirtinirdesa sutra. In Mahayana
Buddhism, this sutra became famous amongst lay Buddhist practitioners and
Prince Shotoku write this sutra in order to establish the standard for the
Mahayana lay Buddhist. This sutra is about a sage layman, his name is Yuima or
Vimalakirti from Vaisali. Prince Shotoku also appreciated and took the ideals
from the sutra that everyone including rulers, and princes could be Buddha if
they practice right way. And he wrote this sutra.
Prince Shotoku’s
contribution to spread of Buddhism in Japan
Shotoku lived in the
period where Buddhism became political tool in the strife between the
progressive Sogas and the conservative Mononobes. It shared the triumph of the
Sogas.[5]
The leader of Soga clan
stated that there was no reason to refuse to accept Buddhism because people
from many countries are following Buddhism, but the leader of Mononobe clan
against and opposed acceptance of Buddhism in Japan. The leader had proclaimed
that “the kami of our land will be offended if we worship a foreign kkami.” This was the beginning of conflict between
Soga clan and Mononobe clan over acceptance of Buddhism. Prince Shotoku was one
of the most outstanding figures in Japan who promoted Buddhism entire of his
life-time, although the country was politically unstable and conflict between
Soga clan and Mononobe clan. When Prince Shotoku was contributing toward spread
of Buddhism, on other hand, Mononobe Moriya and Nakatomi Katsumi gathered
against the destroyed Buddha images and demolish Buddhist hall. But Buddhism
had made a strong comeback at the end of the year.
Although Japanese
people had followed indigenous faith Shinto tradition for long period of time
as national religion, Buddhism rapidly flourished during Prince Shotoku ruling
the country and Buddhism was even became state religion of Japan.
Prince Shotoku wanted
his nation to enrich of spiritual life and enhance the quality or value of life
his entire nation. And he believe that adoption of Buddhism would extend
Japanese culture and which would help the Japanese people to be spiritual happy
in life.
The prince also urged
the adoption of Buddhism as a means of raising the level of Japanese culture
and providing the people with the spiritual fulfillment.[6]
He brought back many
Buddhist texts from China and also he tried to support Buddhism by giving
lecture on the importance Buddhist texts.
Tradition also
maintains that Prince Shotoku was responsible for building some of the great
temples of the Asuka period such as the Horyuji and Shitennoji.[7]
Prince Shotoku built
many temples as part of supporting establish of Buddhism in Japan so that he
became well known as temple builder. He built many temples such as Shitennoji
temple in Osaka which was built in 596 and it became famous because of the
center of social activities, and Horyuji temple in Nara which was also built in
607. And this temple also famous because it is becomes the main center for
Buddhist studies. Prince Shotoku invited Buddhist monks, Confucian scholars,
writer, artists, and temple builders from abroad.
He also built a
Buddhist sanctuary which dedicated to the Four Guardians of the world. And the
temples built at the port of central Japan where foreign traders, envoys, and
even immigrant landed and they thought like Japan was a strong Buddhist country
by seeing those erected temples. And the temples in former time not only for
religious activities but it also served social activities. Tenno-ji temple was
comprised of four institutions. They are: (1) the kyoden-in, this is the place
to worship and reverence for the Buddha. and the place also served training
music and arts, (2) Seyaku- in, this is the place where medical herbs were
collected and distributed, (3) The Hiden-in, the place for the helpless and
trouble people, and the last one is (4) The Ryobyo –in, sanatorium and
hospital.
Prince Shotoku built
pagodas with Buddha’s relics during his ruling time in Japan. And he believed
strongly that relics were important part of any pagodas. He also said that if
there was not any relic of Buddha inside of pagoda whoever built it. It cannot
be called as pagodas.
This is a receptacle
for the Buddha’s relics, if one does not put relics inside it cannot a pagoda.
After parinirvana of the Tathagata Sakyamuni, the relics of particles of his
bones (saikotsu Shari) appeared to his will. This was the Ththagata’s gift to
outsiders.[8]
The Prince Shotoku also
understood that the diplomacy between neighboring countries such as Korea and
China was the most important thing in order to develop culture, economic and
even religion. This is the reason why he made an embassy in China to strengthen
the link between Japan and China in 607.
One of the most crucial
development in Japanese Buddhism that can be directly attributed to prince
Shotoku was a beginning of official embassies to China in 607.[9]
Prince Shotoku studied
and believed deeply in Buddhism. Before he passed away, he said to his
followers that live accordance with Buddhism and believe it. he said his
follower the essence of the teaching of the Buddha. Avoid evil, undertake good
and purify the mind. This is the essence of the Buddha’s teaching.
Conclusion
As we have been discussed
above, Prince Shotoku was one of the most important regents in Japanese history
who played most important role for the development of Japan. when Buddhism was
introduced to Japan, there has been political disputed among the progressive
clan and conservative clan over acceptance of Buddhism.We can see that prince
Shotoku greatly contributed Japanese Buddhism, built many Buddhist temples,
wrote three commentaries and created Japan’s first constitution, known as
seventeen articles of constitutions and Buddhism even became a state religion
of Japan during Prince Shotoku ruling the country. He devoted his great effort
to flourish Buddhism in Japan, and he invited many Buddhist scholars, skilled
Chinese workers to help Japanese society from China and he also sent Japanese
students, artists to China to learn and brought back to Japan. Prince Shotoku
opened first embassy in China to have better diplomacy between two countries.
By putting his effort for the development of the country in all aspect,
Buddhism flourished rapidly and majority of Japanese believed in both Buddhism
and Shinto and living in harmonious way. So we can realize that Buddhism has
been a great influenced in development of Japanese society and even today it is
still influential aspect of Japanese culture.
Bibliography
Alicia
Matsunaga and Daigan Matsunaga, Foundation of Japanese Buddhism, Vol 1,
Los Angeles, Tokyo: Buddhist Books International,1996.
Tamura,
Yoshiro, Japanese Buddhism: A Cultural History. Trans, Jeffrey Hunter. Tokyo:
Kosei Publishing Co. 2000.
Shinsho, H., &
Shoyu,H. The Birth of Japanese Buddhism, In T. Yoshinori (Ed), Buddhist
Spirituality vol.II, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 2003.
Prof.Endo, Toshiichi,
Japanese Buddhism: history and doctrines, Lecture 1, 2016.
Soper.
A.C. A Pictorial Biography of Prince Shotoku. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Bulletin. 1967.
Harvey,
P. An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices, New Delhi:
Cambridge University Press, 2004.
George
J., Jr. Religions of Japan in Practice, Edt, Tanabe, Princeton University
Press, 1999.
Hajime
Nakamura, Ways of Thinking of Eastern Peoples (Japan). University of Hawii
Press, 1968.
[1] Daigan & Alicia Matsunaga, (1974).Foundation
of Japanese Buddhism, Vol 1, Tokyo: Buddhist Books International, P.12
[2]
K. Krishna Murthy, (1989). Buddhism in Japan: Delhi, Sundeep Prakashan,
P.20
[3] Daigan & Alicia
Matsunaga, (1974).Foundation of Japanese Buddhism, Vol 1, Tokyo:
Buddhist Books International, P.13
[4]
Ibid, P.14
[5] Shinsho, H., & Shoyu,H.
(2003). The Birth of Japanese Buddhism, In T. Yoshinori (Ed), Buddhist
Spirituality vol.II, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
[6] Tamura, Yoshiro (2000). Japanese
Buddhism: A Cultural History (tran. Jeffrey Hunter) Tokyo: Kosei Publishing
Co. P. 29.
[7] Daigan & Alicia
Matsunaga, (1974).Foundation of Japanese Buddhism, Vol 1, Tokyo:
Buddhist Books International, P.15
[8]
Ibid, P.15
[9]
Ibid, P.14
Photo credit---http://mayaincaaztec.com/princeshotoku.html
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