Buddhism in Japan
Nara Period

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Nara Period Buddhism

The centralization of power during the Nara Period led to the establishment of a structured government whose jurisdiction over Buddhism allowed the establishment of ordinances for priests and nuns, as well as rules and regulations governing temples and monasteries.

In 740, Emperor Shomu ordered a province-wide copying of the Lotus Sutra in prayer for national security. The following year, he issued an edict calling for the construction of state-established temples, monasteries and convents in each province. The Emperor stipulated that convents must possess a copy of the Lotus Sutra, calling them temples for the expiation of slander through the Lotus Sutra. Even the Emperor’s administration of government was profoundly influenced by the Lotus Sutra.

Emperor Shomu ordered the construction of the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a colossal statue of Vairocana Buddha, at Todaiji Temple, in an effort to control the public sentiment and to stabilize the government. The project was completed under Emperor Kogen in 749.

Thus the groundwork was laid during the Nara Period for Buddhism to attain the status of state religion, thereby receiving Imperial protection and state sponsorship. The founding of sprawling temple compounds by the six southern sects in Nara further demonstrates the degree to which Buddhism flourished during this period.

However, this prosperity also had a negative side. Politics and religion became too closely enmeshed. In their thirst for power and prestige, priests abandoned their search for Buddhahood and allowed their temples to fall into decay and ruin. Heian Period - The Great Teacher Dengyo

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