EAS Quiz 2
Writings by Saicho (767) founder of the Tendai School in Japan, the most prominent branch of Buddhism during the Heian period. Also learned from his trip to China and founded a temple when he returned to Japan. "Prayer of Mount Hiei"
"Prayer on Mount Hiei Oh Buddhas Of unexcelled complete enlightenment Bestow your invisible aid Upon this hut I open On the mountain tops."
"Vow of the Uninterrupted Study of the Lotus Sutra" Writings by Saicho (767) founder of the Tendai School in Japan, the most prominent branch of Buddhism during the Heian period. Also learned from his trip to China and founded a temple when he returned to Japan.
... I vow that, as long as heaven endures and earth lasts, to the most distant term of the future, this study will continue without the intermission of a single day, at the rate of one volume every two days. Thus the doctrine of universal enlightenment will be preserved forever and spread throughout Japan to the farthest confines. May all attain Buddhahood!
Dogen (1200 -1253) How to practice Buddhism, founder of the Soto Zen sect in Japan, leading classical philosopher in Japanese history. Approach religion on a more philosophical level. Emphasizes impermanence of life and existence
... Know that Buddhists must not engage in debates over the superiority or inferiority of the teachings and must not choose between profound and shallow doctrines. Just know whether the practice is authentic or not. Grass, flowers, the landscape itself, have brought some people into the Buddha Way. Merely grasping earth or sand has caused others to receive and preserve the Buddha‑mind Seal. This means that the greatest words are the ones whose abundant meanings overflow from every existing thing. The Great Dharma Wheel of preaching turns in every speck of dust. In light of this, a phrase like "this very mind is Buddha" is just the moon reflected in water. "This very sitting becomes Buddha" is just a reflection in a mirror. Do not be misled by clever slogans. I now recommend the practice of direct realization of bodhi because I teach the marvelous Way directly transmitted by the Buddhas and Zen ancestors and because I want you to become a true man of the Way.
Reform Edict of Taika (645) - renewed effort on remaking Japan's government on a Chinese model, centralizing power, mirror China's bureaucracy, and establish landholding and taxation systems
A separate household tax (kochō) shall also be levied, under which each household shall pay one rod and two feet of cloth, and a surtax consisting of salt and offerings. The latter may vary in accordance with what is produced in the locality. With regard to horses for public service, one horse of medium quality shall be contributed by every one hundred households, or one horse of superior quality by every two hundred households. If the horses have to be purchased, each household shall contribute one rod and two feet of cloth toward the purchase price. With regard to weapons, each person shall contribute a sword, armor, bow and arrows, a flag, and a drum.
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government after China's political institutions
All people entrusted with office should attend equally to their duties. Their work may sometimes be interrupted due to illness or their being sent on missions. But whenever they are able to attend to business they should do so as if they knew what it was about and not obstruct public affairs on the grounds they are not personally familiar with them.
Reform Edict of Taika (645) - renewed effort on remaking Japan's government on a Chinese model, centralizing power, mirror China's bureaucracy, and establish landholding and taxation systems
All rice fields shall be measured by a unit called a tan, which is thirty paces in length by twelve paces in breadth.7 Ten tan make one chō. For each tan, the tax (so or denso) shall be two sheaves and two bundles of rice; for each chō, the tax shall be twenty‑two sheaves of rice.
Shinran's Lamentation and Self-Reflection (1173) founded the Jodo sect in Japan and was exiled from the government for his chants, which he later abandoned.
Although I have entered the Pure Land path, I remain incapable of true and genuine thoughts and feelings. My very existence is pervaded by vanity and falsehood; There is nothing at all of any purity of mind.
"The Mahayana Precepts" Writings by Saicho (767) founder of the Tendai School in Japan, the most prominent branch of Buddhism during the Heian period. Also learned from his trip to China and founded a temple when he returned to Japan.
At that time, the Buddha Shākyamuni, seated under the Bo tree after having attained supreme enlightenment, first set up the Precepts (Pratimoksa): to be filial to one's parents, teacher(s), members of the Buddhist community, and the Three Treasures. Filial obedience is the way by which one attains the Way. ... In the case of a son of the Buddha lying, urging others to lie, or lying for expediency — whatever the cause ... condition ... method ... or the act of lying — even if one says one sees something without actually seeing it or says one did not see something when one has seen it — a bodhisattva should always give rise to correct speech and [help] all sentient beings to give rise to correct speech and correct views. If, on the contrary, one prompts sentient beings to evil speech or evil views, one commits a most unpardonable offense for a bodhisattva.
Dogen (1200 -1253) How to practice Buddhism, founder of the Soto Zen sect in Japan, leading classical philosopher in Japanese history. Approach religion on a more philosophical level. Emphasizes impermanence of life and existence
Because the Fully Awakened Ones [Buddhas] provide mysterious assistance, when you practice sitting Zen, you will definitely slough off body‑mind, eliminate habitually defiled thought patterns, and realize divinely genuine Buddha dharma. You will aid all Buddha activity in all Buddha wayfaring sites as infinite as atoms. You will encourage the aptitude for practicing beyond Buddha and promote the dharma beyond Buddha. At that moment all lands, plants, fences, and roof tiles throughout the dharma realms of the ten directions also engage in Buddha activity, causing everyone to obtain the Buddha's inconceivable mysterious assistance in attaining awakening as easily as they receive natural blessings like wind and water. Just as everyone makes use of water and fire, so too you will circulate the innate realization of Buddha deliverance so that everyone living or talking with you will all embody inexhaustible Buddha‑ virtue. As it unfolds and widens without end, without break, the inconceivable, infinite Buddha dharma will flow throughout the entire cosmos and beyond. The fact that the one who practices sitting Zen is unaware of the Buddha's mysterious assistance is because it is direct realization of nondeliberative quiescence. If, as ordinary people suppose, cultivation and realization are two separate processes, then it could be possible to be aware of each in isolation. But what interacts with our awareness cannot be fundamental realization because fundamental realization is beyond deluded human thoughts.
Shinran's Lamentation and Self-Reflection (1173) founded the Jodo sect in Japan and was exiled from the government for his chants, which he later abandoned.
Being unrepentant and lacking in shame, I have no mind of truth and sincerity. And yet, because the Name has been given by Amida Buddha, The universe is suffused with its virtues.
Nichiren (1222) reformer Buddhist monk who established the Nichiren sect based on devotion to the Lotus Sutra - claimed failure to follow him caused ruin.
But because of this book written by Hōnen, this Senchakushū, the Lord Buddha Shākyamuni is forgotten and all honor is paid to Amida, the Buddha of the Western Land. The Lord Buddha's transmission of the Law is ignored and Yakushi, the Buddha of the Eastern Region, is neglected. All attention is paid to the three works in four volumes of the Pure Land scriptures, and all other wonderful teachings that Shākyamuni proclaimed throughout the five periods of his preaching life are cast aside. ... As a result, the halls of the Buddha fall into ruin, scarcely a wisp of smoke rises above their mossy tiles; and the monks' quarters stand empty and dilapidated, the dew deep on the grasses in their courtyards. And in spite of such conditions, no one gives thought to protecting the Law or to restoring the temples. ... If people favor perverse doctrines and forget what is correct, can the benevolent deities be anything butangry? If people cast aside doctrines that are all‑encompassing and take up those that are incomplete, can the world escape the plots of demons? Rather than offering up ten thousand prayers for remedy, it would be better simply to outlaw this one evil doctrine that is the source of all the trouble! ...
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Deal impartially with the legal complaints which are submitted to you. If the man who is to decide suits at law makes gain his motive, and hears cases with a view to receiving bribes, then the suits of the rich man will be like a stone flung into water, meeting no resistance, while the complaints of the poor will be like water thrown upon a stone. In these circumstances the poor man will not know where to go, nor will he behave as he should.
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Decisions on important matters should not be made by one person alone. They should be discussed with many people. Small matters are of less consequence and it is unnecessary to consult a number of people. It is only in the case of important affairs, when there is a suspicion that they may miscarry, that one should consult with others, so as to arrive at the right conclusion.
Shinran's Lamentation and Self-Reflection (1173) founded the Jodo sect in Japan and was exiled from the government for his chants, which he later abandoned.
Deeply saddening is it that in these times Both the monks and laity in Japan, While seeking to conform with Buddhist manner and deportment, Worship gods and spirits of the heavens and earth.
Reform Edict of Taika (645) - renewed effort on remaking Japan's government on a Chinese model, centralizing power, mirror China's bureaucracy, and establish landholding and taxation systems
Districts are classified as greater, middle and lesser districts, with districts of forty villages constituting greater districts; of from four to thirty villages constituting middle districts; and of three or fewer villages constituting lesser districts. The prefects for these districts shall be chosen from local nobles (kuni no miyatsuko), of unblemished character, strong and upright, who can discharge the duties of the time effectively. They shall be appointed as prefects (tairei) and vice prefects (shōrei). Men of ability and intelligence, who are skilled in writing and arithmetic shall be appointed to assist them in the tasks of governance and book‑keeping. ...
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Do not be envious! For if we envy others, then they in turn will envy us. The evils of envy know no limit. If others surpass us in intelligence, we are not pleased; if they are more able, we are envious. But if we do not find wise men and sages, how shall the realm be governed?
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Do not fail to obey the commands of your Sovereign. He is like Heaven, which is above the Earth, and the vassal is like the Earth, which bears up Heaven. When Heaven and Earth are properly in place, the four seasons follow their course and all is well in Nature. But if the Earth attempts to take the place of Heaven, Heaven would simply fall in ruin. That is why the vassal listens when the lord speaks, and the inferior obeys when the superior acts. Consequently when you receive the commands of your Sovereign, do not fail to carry them out or ruin will be the natural result.
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Do not let the local nobility levy taxes on the people. There cannot be two lords in a country; the people cannot have two masters. The sovereign is the sole master of the people of the whole realm, and the officials that he appoints are all his subjects. How can they presume to levy taxes on the people?
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Employ the people in forced labor at seasonable times. This is an ancient and excellent rule. Employ them in the winter months when they are at leisure, but not from Spring to Autumn, when they are busy with agriculture or with the mulberry trees (the leaves of which are fed to silkworms). For if they do not attend to agriculture, what will there be to eat? If they do not attend to the mulberry trees, what will there be for clothing?
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Every man has his own work. Do not let the spheres of duty be confused. When wise men are entrusted with office, the sound of praise arises. If corrupt men hold office, disasters and tumult multiply. In all things, whether great or small, find the right man and they will be well managed. Therefore the wise sovereigns of antiquity sought the man to fill the office, and not the office to suit the man. If this is done the state will be lasting and the realm will be free from danger.
Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1587 - one of Japan's "Three Unifiers" enacted social, economic, and political reforms to stabilize a Japan accustomed to war. "Sword Hunt" to prevent peasant revolts and guaranteeing the samurai elite a monopoly on instruments of violence.
Farmers of all provinces are strictly forbidden to have in their possession any swords, short swords, bows, spears, firearms, or other types of weapons. If unnecessary implements of war are kept, the collection of annual rent (nengu) may become more difficult, and without provocation uprisings can be fomented. Therefore, those who perpetrate improper acts against samurai who receive a grant of land (kyūnin) must be brought to trial and punished. However, in that event, their wet and dry fields will remain unattended, and the samurai will lose their rights (chigyō) to the yields from the fields. Therefore, the heads of the provinces, samurai who receive a grant of land, and deputies must collect all the weapons described above and submit them to Hideyoshi's government.
Soko (1622) Confucian philosopher - regulated Japan's warriors during era of peace after the rebellion. Outline role for samurai in society.
For generation after generation, men have taken their livelihood from tilling the soil, or devised and manufactured tools, or produced profit from mutual trade, so that peoples' needs were satisfied. Thus the occupations of farmer, artisan, and merchant necessarily grew up as complementary to one another. But the samurai eats food without growing it, uses utensils without manufacturing them, and profits without buying or selling. What is the justification for this? When I reflect today on my pursuit in life, [I realize that] I was born into a family whose ancestors for generations have been warriors and whose pursuit is service at court. The samurai is one who does not cultivate, does not manufacture, and does not engage in trade, but it cannot be that he has no function at all as a samurai. He who satisfies his needs without performing any function at all would more properly be called an idler. Therefore one must devote all one's mind to the detailed examination of one's calling
Reform Edict of Taika (645) - renewed effort on remaking Japan's government on a Chinese model, centralizing power, mirror China's bureaucracy, and establish landholding and taxation systems
For the first time, the capital shall be placed under an administrative system. In the metropolitan (or capital) region, governors (kuni no tsukasa) and prefects (kōi no tsukasa) shall be appointed. Barriers and outposts shall be erected, and guards and post horses for transportation and communication purposes shall be provided. Furthermore bell‑tokens shall be made and mountains and rivers shall be regulated.
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Good faith is the foundation of right. In everything let there be good faith, for if the lord and the vassal keep faith with one another, what cannot be accomplished? If the lord and the vassal do not keep faith with each other, everything will end in failure.
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Harmony should be valued and quarrels should be avoided. Everyone has his biases, and few men are far‑sighted. Therefore some disobey their lords and fathers and keep up feuds with their neighbors. But when the superiors are in harmony with each other and the inferiors are friendly, then affairs are discussed quietly and the right view of matters prevails.
Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1587 - one of Japan's "Three Unifiers" enacted social, economic, and political reforms to stabilize a Japan accustomed to war. "Christian Century" countering missionaries from portugal and spain
Hereafter, anyone who does not hinder the teachings of the Buddha, whether he be a merchant or not, may come and go freely from Christian countries to Japan.
Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1587 - one of Japan's "Three Unifiers" enacted social, economic, and political reforms to stabilize a Japan accustomed to war. "Sword Hunt" to prevent peasant revolts and guaranteeing the samurai elite a monopoly on instruments of violence.
If farmers possess only agricultural implements and devote themselves exclusively to cultivating the fields, they and their descendants will prosper. This compassionate concern for the well‑being of the farms is the reason for the issuance of this edict, and such a concern is the foundation for the peace and security of the country and the joy and happiness of all the people.
Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1587 - one of Japan's "Three Unifiers" enacted social, economic, and political reforms to stabilize a Japan accustomed to war. "Christian Century" countering missionaries from portugal and spain
If one receives a province, a district, or a village as his fief, and forces farmers in his domain who are properly registered under certain temples to become followers of the padre against their wishes, then he has committed a most unreasonable illegal act.
Writings by Saicho (767) founder of the Tendai School in Japan, the most prominent branch of Buddhism during the Heian period. Also learned from his trip to China and founded a temple when he returned to Japan. "On the Possibility of Enlightenment for All Men" Hinanyana and Mahayana were different precepts.
In the lotus‑flower is implicit its emergence from the water. If it does not emerge, its blossoms will not open: in the emergence is implicit the blossoming. If the water is three feet deep, the stalk of the flower will be four or five feet; if the water is seven or eight feet deep, the stalk will be over ten feet tall. That is what is implied by the emergence from the water. The greater the amount of water, the taller the stalk will grow; the potential growth is limitless. Now, all human beings have the lotus of Buddhahood within them. It will rise above the mire and foul water of the Hīnayāna and Quasi‑Mahāyāna, and then through the stage of the bodhisattvas to open, leaves and blossoms together, in full glory.
Reform Edict of Taika (645) - renewed effort on remaking Japan's government on a Chinese model, centralizing power, mirror China's bureaucracy, and establish landholding and taxation systems
It is hereby decreed that household registers, tax registers, and rules for allocation and redistribution of land shall be established.6 Each fifty households shall be constituted into a village (ri), and in each village there shall be appointed an alderman. He shall be responsible for the maintenance of the household registers, the assigning of sowing of crops and cultivation of mulberry trees, prevention of offenses, and requisitioning of taxes and forced labor. ...
Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1587 - one of Japan's "Three Unifiers" enacted social, economic, and political reforms to stabilize a Japan accustomed to war. "Christian Century" countering missionaries from portugal and spain
Japan is the country of gods, but has been receiving false teachings from Christian countries. This cannot be tolerated any further.
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Know the difference between merit and demerit, and deal out to each its reward and punishment. In these days, reward does not always follow merit, or punishment follow crime. You high officials who have charge of public affairs, make it your business to give clear rewards and punishments.
Reform Edict of Taika (645) - renewed effort on remaking Japan's government on a Chinese model, centralizing power, mirror China's bureaucracy, and establish landholding and taxation systems
Let the following be abolished: the titles held by imperial princes to serfs granted by imperial decrees (koshiro); the title to lands held directly by the imperial court (miyake); and private titles to lands and workers held by ministers and functionaries (omi, muraji and tomo no miyatsuko) of the court, by local nobles (kuni no miyatsuko), and by village chiefs (mura no obito). In lieu thereof, sustenance households4 shall be granted to those of the rank of Daibu (chief of a bureau or of a ward) and upwards on a scale corresponding to their positions. ... It is said that the duty of the Daibu is to govern the people. If they discharge their task diligently, the people will have trust in them. Therefore it is for the benefit of the people that the revenue of the Daibu shall be increased.
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Let us control ourselves and not be resentful when others disagree with us, for all men have hearts and each heart has its own leanings. The right of others is our wrong, and our right is their wrong. We are not unquestionably sages, nor are they unquestionably fools. Both of us are simply ordinary men. How can anyone lay down a rule by which to distinguish right from wrong? For we are all wise sometimes and foolish at others. Therefore, though others give way to anger, let us on the contrary dread our own faults, and though we may think we alone are in the right, let us follow the majority and act like them.
Edicts of Tokugawa Shogunate (1615) Laws of Military Households legal codes and bureaucracy system, regulated lords and warriors
Marriage must not be contracted in private [without approval from the bakufu]. ... To form a factional alliance through marriage is the root of treason
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Ministers and officials should attend the Court early in the morning and retire late, for the whole day is hardly enough for the accomplishment of state business. If one is late in attending Court, emergencies cannot be met; if officials retire early, the work cannot be completed.
Chomei 1212 - realized fragility of life after witnessing earthquakes and natural disasters, explains why he entered priesthood and abandoned all else.
My body is like a drifting cloud — I ask for nothing, I want nothing.
""Indications of the Goals of the Three Teachings" Kukai's (774-835) Shingon Japanese school of Buddhism. Traveled to China and erected temples when he came back to Japan.
My relatives and teachers opposed my entering the priesthood, saying that by doing so I would be unable to fulfill the Five Cardinal Virtues1 or accomplish the duties of loyalty and filial piety. I thought then: living beings are not of the same nature; there are birds which fly high in the sky and fish which sink low in the water. To guide different types of people, there are three teachings: Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Although their profoundness varies, they are still the teachings of the sages. If an individual chooses one, he does not necessarily repudiate loyalty and filial piety by doing so.
"A School of Arts and Sciences" Kukai (774) on his view of establishing schools in Japan after seeing China
My reply is, "In the capital of China, a school is set up in each ward to teach the young boys. In each prefecture a school is maintained in order widely to educate promising young students. Because of this, the capital is filled with talented young men and the nation is crowded with masters of the arts. In the capital of our country, however, there is only one government college and no local schools. As a result, sons of the poor have no opportunity to seek knowledge. Those who like to study but live a great distance from the college encounter great difficulty traveling to and fro. Would it not be good, then, to establish this school to assist the uneducated?"
""Indications of the Goals of the Three Teachings" Kukai's (774-835) Shingon Japanese school of Buddhism. Traveled to China and erected temples when he came back to Japan.
Now I have a nephew who is depraved and indulges in hunting, wine, and women and whose usual way of life consists of gambling and dissipation. It is obvious that an unfavorable environment has caused him to lead this kind of life. What has induced me to write [this story] are the opposition of my relatives [to my becoming a Buddhist] and the behavior of this nephew.
Reform Edict of Taika (645) - renewed effort on remaking Japan's government on a Chinese model, centralizing power, mirror China's bureaucracy, and establish landholding and taxation systems
Old taxes and forced labor shall be replaced by a system of commuted taxes based on [the size of] the rice fields (denchō). These taxes shall consist of fine silk, coarse silk, raw silk, and floss silk, which are to be collected in accordance with what is produced in the locality. For each chō of rice field, the rate shall be one rod (i.e., 10 feet) of fine silk. For four chō of rice field, the rate shall be one piece of fine silk, which is forty feet in length by two and a half feet in width. If coarse silk is substituted, the rate shall be two rods per chō, and one piece of the same length and width as the fine silk for every two chō....
Reform Edict of Taika (645) - renewed effort on remaking Japan's government on a Chinese model, centralizing power, mirror China's bureaucracy, and establish landholding and taxation systems
One alderman (osa) shall be appointed for each ward (bō or machi) in the capital, and one chief alderman (unakashi) for four wards. The latter shall be responsible for maintaining the household registers and investigating criminal matters. The chief alderman shall be chosen from those men belonging to the wards, of unblemished character, strong and upright, who can discharge the duties of the time effectively. In principle, aldermen of rural villages (ri) or of city wards, shall be selected from ordinary subjects belonging to the villages of city wards, who are sincere, incorrupt and of strong disposition. ...
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
Punish the evil and reward the good. This was the excellent rule of antiquity. Therefore do not hide the good qualities of others or fail to correct what is wrong when you see it. Flatterers and deceivers are a sharp weapon for the overthrow of the state, and a sharp sword for the destruction of the people. Men of this kind are never loyal to their lord, or to the people. All this is a source of serious civil disturbances.
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
The Ministers and officials of the state should make proper behavior their first principle, for if the superiors do not behave properly, the inferiors are disorderly; if inferiors behave improperly, offenses will naturally result. Therefore when lord and vassal behave with propriety, the distinctions of rank are not confused: when the people behave properly the Government will be in good order.
Nichiren (1222) reformer Buddhist monk who established the Nichiren sect based on devotion to the Lotus Sutra - claimed failure to follow him caused ruin.
The Sūtra of the Humane King (Ninnō kyō) states: "When a nation becomes disordered, it is the spirits which first show signs of rampancy. Because these spirits become rampant, all the people of the nation become disordered. Invaders come to plunder the country and the common people face annihilation. The ruler, the high ministers, the heir apparent, and the other princes and government officials all quarrel with each other over right and wrong. Heaven and earth manifest prodigies and strange occurrences; the twenty‑eight constellations, the stars, the sun and the moon appear at irregular times and in irregular positions, and numerous outlaws rise up." ...
Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1587 - one of Japan's "Three Unifiers" enacted social, economic, and political reforms to stabilize a Japan accustomed to war. "Christian Century" countering missionaries from portugal and spain
The [missionaries] approach people in provinces and districts to make them their followers, and let them destroy shrines and temples. This is an unheard of outrage. When a vassal receives a province, a district, a village, or another form of a fief, he must consider it as a property entrusted to him on a temporary basis. He must follow the laws of this country, and abide by their intent. However, some vassals illegally [commend part of their fiefs to the church]. This is a culpable offense.
Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1587 - one of Japan's "Three Unifiers" enacted social, economic, and political reforms to stabilize a Japan accustomed to war. "Christian Century" countering missionaries from portugal and spain
The black [Portuguese and Spanish] ships come to Japan to engage in trade. Thus the matter is a separate one. They can continue to engage in trade.
Soko (1622) Confucian philosopher - regulated Japan's warriors during era of peace after the rebellion. Outline role for samurai in society.
The business of the samurai is to reflect on his own station in life, to give loyal service to his master if he has one, to strengthen his fidelity in associations with friends, and, with due consideration of his own position, to devote himself to duty above all. However, in his own life, he will unavoidably become involved in obligations between father and child, older and younger brother, and husband and wife. Although these are also the fundamental moral obligations of everyone in the land, the farmers, artisans, and merchants have no leisure from their occupations, and so they cannot constantly act in accordance with them and fully exemplify the Way. Because the samurai has dispensed with the business of the farmer, artisan, and merchant and confined himself to practicing this Way, if there is someone in the three classes of the common people who violates these moral principles, the samurai should punish him summarily and thus uphold the proper moral principles in the land. It would not do for the samurai to know martial and civil virtues without manifesting them. Since this is the case, outwardly he stands in physical readiness for any call to service, and inwardly he strives to fulfill the Way of the lord and subject, friend and friend, parent and child, older and younger brother, and husband and wife. Within his heart he keeps to the ways of peace, but without, he keeps his weapons ready for use. The three classes of the common people make him their teacher and respect him. By following his teachings, they are able to understand what is fundamental and what is secondary. ...
Edicts of Tokugawa Shogunate (1615) Laws of Military Households legal codes and bureaucracy system, regulated lords and warriors
The lords of the domains must select as their officials men of administrative ability. The way of governing a country is to get the right men. If the lord clearly discerns between the merits and faults of his retainers, he can administer due rewards and punishments. If the domain has good men, it flourishes more than ever. If it has no good men, it is doomed to perish. This is an admonition which the wise men of old bequeathed to us.
Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1587 - one of Japan's "Three Unifiers" enacted social, economic, and political reforms to stabilize a Japan accustomed to war. "Christian Century" countering missionaries from portugal and spain
The padres, by their special knowledge [in the sciences and medicine], feel that they can at will entice people to become their believers. In doing so they commit the illegal act of destroying the teachings of Buddha prevailing in Japan. These padres cannot be permitted to remain in Japan. They must prepare to leave the country within twenty days of the issuance of this notice.
Edicts of Tokugawa Shogunate (1615) Laws of Military Households legal codes and bureaucracy system, regulated lords and warriors
The regulations with regard to dress materials must not be breached. Lords and vassals, superiors and inferiors, must observe what is proper within their positions in life. Without authorization, no retainer may indiscriminately wear fine white damask, white wadded silk garments, purple silk kimono, purple silk linings, and kimono sleeves which bear no family crest. ...
Edicts of Tokugawa Shogunate (1615) Laws of Military Households legal codes and bureaucracy system, regulated lords and warriors
The samurai of all domains must practice frugality. When the rich proudly display their wealth, the poor are ashamed of not being on par with them. There is nothing which will corrupt public morality more than this, and therefore it must be severely restricted.
Edicts of Tokugawa Shogunate (1615) Laws of Military Households legal codes and bureaucracy system, regulated lords and warriors
The study of literature and the practice of the military arts, including archery and horsemanship, must be cultivated diligently. "On the left hand literature, on the right hand use of arms," was the rule of the ancients. Both must be pursued concurrently. Archery and horsemanship are essential skills for military men. It is said that war is a curse. However, it is resorted to only when it is inevitable. In time of peace, do not forget the possibility of disturbances. Train yourself and be prepared.
Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1587 - one of Japan's "Three Unifiers" enacted social, economic, and political reforms to stabilize a Japan accustomed to war. "Sword Hunt" to prevent peasant revolts and guaranteeing the samurai elite a monopoly on instruments of violence.
The swords and short swords collected in the above manner will not be wasted. They will be used as nails and bolts in the construction of the Great Image of Buddha. In this way, farmers will benefit not only in this life but also in the lives to come.
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
The three treasures, which are Buddha, the (Buddhist) Law and the (Buddhist) Priesthood; should be given sincere reverence, for they are the final refuge of all living things. Few men are so bad that they cannot be taught their truth.
Constitution of Prince Shotoku (late 6th century) - important Confucian and Buddhist approaches to statecraft, reforming Japanese Government from clan chieftains to full-fledged monarchs after the Chinese model
To subordinate private interests to the public good — that is the path of a vassal. Now if a man is influenced by private motives, he will be resentful, and if he is influenced by resentment he will fail to act harmoniously with others. If he fails to act harmoniously with others, the public interest will suffer. Resentment interferes with order and is subversive of law.
Reform Edict of Taika (645) - renewed effort on remaking Japan's government on a Chinese model, centralizing power, mirror China's bureaucracy, and establish landholding and taxation systems
Under the old system, one servant was supplied by every thirty households. This system shall be altered to allow every fifty households to furnish one servant to work for various officials. These fifty households shall be responsible for providing rations for one servant, by each household contributing two rods and two feet of cloth and five masu8 of rice in lieu of service (yō orchikara shiro).
Reform Edict of Taika (645) - renewed effort on remaking Japan's government on a Chinese model, centralizing power, mirror China's bureaucracy, and establish landholding and taxation systems.
Waiting women in the palace shall be selected from among good‑looking sisters or daughters of officials of the rank of vice prefect or above. Every one hundred households shall be responsible for providing rations for one waiting woman. The cloth and rice supplied in lieu of service (yō) shall, in every respect, follow the same rule as for servants.
The Tale of the Heike 1185
War story about guy and horse and mercy
Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1587 - one of Japan's "Three Unifiers" enacted social, economic, and political reforms to stabilize a Japan accustomed to war. "Christian Century" countering missionaries from portugal and spain
When a vassal (kyūnin) receives a grant of a province or a district, he must consider it as property entrusted to him on a temporary basis. A vassal may be moved from one place to another, but farmers remain in the same place. Thus if an unreasonable illegal act is committed [as described above], the vassal will be called upon to account for his culpable offense. The intent of this provision must be observed
