Prince Shōtoku has often been regarded as one of the main influencers in the spread of Buddhism throughout Japan. The legends of his birth and life show that he is himself a Bodhisattva who was sent to the world to assist others in the achievement of enlightenment. Though his contribution to the spread of Buddhism throughout Japan cannot depreciated, Prince Shōtoku influenced Japan in other, major ways. He was known to also be a brilliant politician who changed the Japanese government for the better after a time of political and religious crisis during the sixth century. With China and Korea surpassing Japan as well as a rejection of Buddhism from those practicing the Shinto religion, Japan needed a leader to unify and strengthen the country;
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to the Emperor Yōmei and Princess Anahobe. One legend says that a priest dressed in golden robes appeared to the Princess in a dream and asked, “if he could lodge in her womb as he was about to be born as a world-saving Bodhisattva. ” This legend, much like that of the Angel Gabriel appearing to the Virgin Mary, implies a life of greatness for the future sun of the Emperor and Princess. Another legend tells of Prince Shōtoku naturally performing Buddhist rituals at the age of two. These two popular stories, regardless of truth, show the intrinsic Buddhist practice that lived in Prince Shōtoku even before his birth. His name itself is an indication of this divinity as sho means sacred, and toku means virtue. Though Buddhism arrived in Japan officially in 552 C.E., it was not popularized until after the birth of Prince Shōtoku who was devout in his practice of Buddhism. After the death of his father, Prince Shōtoku “renounced any claim of the throne” to “devote himself to public duty. ” Because of this, his aunt, Empress Suiko, gained the throne, and Shōtoku became the Prince Regent and assisted in ruling …show more content…
Some points outline the way that the government should be run saying that wise officials will bring a harmonious government as seen in Article VII. The following article describes the work ethic of this officials and ministers—early to arrive and late to leave. These regulations allowed for a hard-working, successful government. Though some of the laws seem trivial— “Chastise what is evil and encourage that which is good ”—this document directly reflects the chaotic country that existed at the beginning of Prince Shōtoku’s reign. The constitution also provides points that probably were originally intended to promote diplomatic practices within the government, but many of the laws can be applied to everyday life: “Let us cease from wrath, and refrain from angry looks. Nor let us be resentful when others differ from us. For all men have hearts, and each heart has its own leanings. ” This constitution reiterated to the people what is means to be a decent human being. It shows Prince Shōtoku not only cared about political success for the country but also social success for its
to the Emperor Yōmei and Princess Anahobe. One legend says that a priest dressed in golden robes appeared to the Princess in a dream and asked, “if he could lodge in her womb as he was about to be born as a world-saving Bodhisattva. ” This legend, much like that of the Angel Gabriel appearing to the Virgin Mary, implies a life of greatness for the future sun of the Emperor and Princess. Another legend tells of Prince Shōtoku naturally performing Buddhist rituals at the age of two. These two popular stories, regardless of truth, show the intrinsic Buddhist practice that lived in Prince Shōtoku even before his birth. His name itself is an indication of this divinity as sho means sacred, and toku means virtue. Though Buddhism arrived in Japan officially in 552 C.E., it was not popularized until after the birth of Prince Shōtoku who was devout in his practice of Buddhism. After the death of his father, Prince Shōtoku “renounced any claim of the throne” to “devote himself to public duty. ” Because of this, his aunt, Empress Suiko, gained the throne, and Shōtoku became the Prince Regent and assisted in ruling …show more content…
Some points outline the way that the government should be run saying that wise officials will bring a harmonious government as seen in Article VII. The following article describes the work ethic of this officials and ministers—early to arrive and late to leave. These regulations allowed for a hard-working, successful government. Though some of the laws seem trivial— “Chastise what is evil and encourage that which is good ”—this document directly reflects the chaotic country that existed at the beginning of Prince Shōtoku’s reign. The constitution also provides points that probably were originally intended to promote diplomatic practices within the government, but many of the laws can be applied to everyday life: “Let us cease from wrath, and refrain from angry looks. Nor let us be resentful when others differ from us. For all men have hearts, and each heart has its own leanings. ” This constitution reiterated to the people what is means to be a decent human being. It shows Prince Shōtoku not only cared about political success for the country but also social success for its