Religion is something that we have inherited in some way.
The Japanese are less sensitive to religion than other countries.
It is often the case that people close to us die and witness the funeral before they realize that their family was of the XX sect. It is said that this is a remnant of the fact that the Danka system of the Edo period decided to belong to one of the denominations.
Nowadays, it is quite common to see a monk at a funeral or hear the sutras of various denominations. That's how Buddhism has become our norm.
However, there has been a big dispute over whether or not to accept Buddhism in Japan 1400 years ago.
That is the conflict between Mr. Soga and Mr. Mononobe.
This confrontation affects not only the introduction of Buddhism into our country, but also the later reform of Taika Reform and the way of thinking in the time of Emperor Shomu.
In this article, I will write about how the introduction of Buddhism by the Yamato administration 1400 years ago had an impact on Japan.
What is the Yamato administration?
First of all, I will explain what the Yamato administration is.
Around the end of the Yayoi period, the Yamato administration was born in the Yamato region of Nara prefecture from the latter half of the 3rd century to the beginning of the 4th century. In the coalition government of the great tribes centered on the Great King. In the 5th century, it will expand its power to Kyushu and the Kanto region.
There are various theories, but it is said that it was based on Yamatai country.
This Yamato administration has a surname system Established a social system that incorporates central and local gentry under the control system centered on the Great King. The great tribes are Omi, Ren, Kimi, Nao About 30 kinds of [ surname ] Is given the title.
Mr. Soga and Mr. Mononobe who played a central role in politics
[ Last name ] Among them [ Omi ] And [ ream ] Will become the center of politics. These two surnames are given the highest status as [ Minister ] [ Dalian ] Was called.
The minister and Dalian will lead politics by following the powerful tribes in the administration. However, it is not always possible to be in these two positions. After the 6th century, [ Minister ] To Soga , [ Dalian ] To Mr. Mononobe Will be monopolized by the family.
There is an image that the two families are fighting against each other, but even if there is an era of stable government by these two major powers or a conflict occurs, Soga no Umako will make the daughter of Mononobe no Moriya his wife. It is believed that he was originally a good friend because he was looking for a way to restore it.
However, as in the historical fact, efforts to restore relations are vain, and both sides will eventually make a big difference by adopting Buddhism.
How did Buddhism come about?
There are two theories that Buddhism has been introduced.
The theory based on the biography of Prince Shotoku in 538
" Emperor Shihoshima October 12th, the year of the Yang Earth Horse , Baekje Landlord Myo For the first time, he is dedicated to Buddhist sutras and monks. Soga no Iname Sukune Minister's gift to prosperity ..
Source:"Kamimiya Seitoku Hosho Theory"
The point is
- Emperor Shihoshima ⇒ Emperor Kinmei's era
- Year of the Yang Earth Horse ⇒ 538 years
- Seong of Baekje, the lord of Baekje ⇒ He sent Buddhist sutras and monks for the first time.
- Soga no Iname It was bestowed on and prospered.
The theory based on the year 552 of the Nihon Shoki
"( Emperor Kinmei 13th Year ) In October of winter, the statue of Seong of Baekje (Omitted) Shaka Buddha's gold bronze statue, a small amount of a contraction, and a small amount of economic theory are offered. (Omitted below) "
Source:" Nihon Shoki "
The difference from the previous one is Emperor Kinmei 13th Year That is 552 Is pointing to.
After that, the wording "Baekje" is the same.
The above is a public Buddhist tradition, and it is said that it had already been passed down privately.
" Fuso Abbreviation It is said that the historical materials such as Shiba Datto, who were migrants, prayed at their home during the time of Emperor Keitai before this.
So why did the King of Legend introduce Buddhism to Japan?
At that time, Baekje was under military pressure from Silla and Goguryeo in the north.
It is believed that he introduced Buddhism in order to build a relationship of trust with Japan and receive military assistance. At that time, Buddhism was a [ science to enrich the country. ], So I told Japan in the form of providing technology. To put it simply, it is the same image as providing cutting-edge science and technology to a country that builds friendly relations.
Conflict between Mr. Soga and Mr. Mononobe
With the introduction of this Buddhism, a conflict arises.
That is Mr. Soga and Mr. Mononobe Religious debate.
The arguments of both companies are as follows.
Mr. Soga
There was interaction with the migrants who originally came from China and Korea, and it also led to deepening exchanges with them by believing in Buddhism.
Mr. Mononobe
I thought that the gods of this country should be enshrined, not the new gods from abroad.
Please refer to another article for details.
Ultimately, the Buddhist proponent Soga will win. As a result, there are no more powerful tribes who can compete with the Soga clan, and the Soga clan, who has gained power, will be extremely prosperous.