About this video
- Video Title: 神仏習合の謎を解く ① (Unraveling the Mystery of Syncretism between Kami and Buddhas ①)
- Channel: gozirin
- Speakers: None explicitly named, but a single narrator.
- Duration: 00:12:44
Overview
This video introduces the theme of syncretism between kami (Shinto deities) and Buddhas, exploring how Japanese people accepted Buddhism when it was introduced. It focuses on the 6th century when Buddhism first arrived in Japan and examines the principles of syncretism in relation to kami beliefs, aiming to deepen understanding of the relationship between Japanese people and religion.
Key takeaways
- Introduction to Syncretism: Syncretism between kami and Buddhas refers to the fusion of ancient Japanese kami beliefs with Buddhism, which was introduced around the 6th century.
- Historical Context of Buddhism's Arrival: Buddhism was officially transmitted to Japan in the mid-6th century, during the reign of Emperor Kinmei, through the Baekje kingdom of the Korean Peninsula. This event is referred to as "Buddhism Transmission."
- Key Historical Documents: Several historical records document Buddhism's arrival, including the Nihon Shoki, Jōgū Shōtoku Hōō Teisetsu, Gokokuji Garan Engi narabi ni Shukuzai-chō, and Kenkai-ron.
- Nihon Shoki Account: The Nihon Shoki provides a detailed account of Buddhism's transmission, including a debate between Soga no Iname (who advocated for accepting Buddhism) and Mononobe no Okoshi and Nakatomi no Kamako (who opposed it due to fears of angering native kami).
- The "Trial" of Buddhism: As a trial, the emperor allowed the worship of the Buddha statue, which was placed in Soga no Iname's residence. When an epidemic broke out, Mononobe no Okoshi and Nakatomi no Kamako blamed the foreign Buddha, leading to the statue being cast into a canal and the temple being burned.
- Nihon Shoki as a Source: The Nihon Shoki, compiled in 720 AD, is the earliest official history of Japan and serves as a primary source for understanding this period, although some parts, like the imperial edict, are believed to have been influenced by later texts.