The Nara Period: Buddhism and Government / History of Japan

Summary

The Nara period, beginning in 710 with the relocation of Japan's capital to Heijō (modern Nara), marked a time of cultural flourishing, political turbulence, and religious influence. Improved transportation and international trade fostered the cosmopolitan Tenpyō culture, while monumental projects like the Great Buddha and provincial temples highlighted Buddhism’s growing power. Political struggles involved the Fujiwara clan, emperors, and influential monks, shaping court dynamics. Literary achievements, such as the Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, and Manyoshu, reflected both domestic and international aspirations. Sacred sites like Kasuga Taisha Shrine endure, alongside traditions and the preservation of cultural treasures, demonstrating Japan's rich historical legacy.

Takeaways

• 🏯 In 710, the Japanese capital was moved to Heijō (modern-day Nara), marking the start of the Nara period and the development of a cosmopolitan Tenpyō culture.
• 🛤️ Transportation and government infrastructure improved, including relay stations every 16 km for official document delivery, facilitating national integration and commerce.
• 📚 Key historical texts were completed: the Kojiki in 712, focusing on domestic history, and the Nihon Shoki in 720, written in Classical Chinese for international audiences.
• 👑 The Fujiwara clan gained significant court power, often influencing succession and marrying into the imperial family, though faced challenges like epidemics and rival factions.
• 🦠 A devastating smallpox epidemic in 737 killed 30% of the population and many high-ranking officials, reshaping political power structures.
• 🛕 Emperor Shōmu promoted Buddhism to stabilize the nation, issuing edicts to build provincial temples in 741 and the Great Buddha in 743, which was completed in 752.
• 🙏 The Indian monk Ganjin arrived in 754, significantly influencing Japanese Buddhism through monk ordination, sculpture, and medicinal knowledge.
• ⚔️ Political instability continued with power struggles involving Fujiwara no Nakamaro, Emperor Kōken/Shōtoku, and the monk Dōkyō, culminating in imperial succession changes.
• 🏙️ The capital moved twice more—to Nagaoka in 784 and then to Heian (Kyoto) in 794—to improve logistics and distance the government from Buddhist influence.
• 🎶 The Manyoshu, compiled in the late 8th century, showcased poetry from all social classes, establishing a literary tradition that persists today in waka culture.
• ⛩️ Kasuga Taisha Shrine, founded in 768, remains a UNESCO World Heritage site and cultural landmark, emphasizing the preservation of sacred traditions and natural treasures like Nara’s deer.

Q & A

What event marked the beginning of the Nara period?

The capital's relocation to Heijō (modern-day Nara) in 710 marked the beginning of the Nara period.

What cultural influence is associated with the Nara period?

The Nara period is known for the flourishing of the Tenpyō culture, a cosmopolitan culture that developed due to improved transportation and international exchange.

Why was Heijō chosen as the new capital in 710?

Heijō was chosen due to its strategic location, which was ideal for gathering goods from across the country and transporting cargo via waterways. It was also seen as a necessary move to accommodate the growing national administration and show Japan's power.

What is the significance of the Shōsōin warehouse?

The Shōsōin is an elevated warehouse that houses imported goods from Persia, India, and Tang China, preserved for over 1,200 years. It is often referred to as the 'terminus of the Silk Road' and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

What was the Taika Reforms, and why did they falter?

The Taika Reforms were a set of political and administrative changes implemented during the Asuka period to strengthen central authority. During the Nara period, however, these reforms began to falter due to political power struggles within the court.

What role did the Fujiwara clan play in the Nara period?

The Fujiwara clan held significant power in the Nara period, with key figures like Fujiwara no Kamatari playing a major role in the political landscape, including destroying the Soga clan during the Asuka period.

How did Emperor Shōmu influence Buddhism in Japan?

Emperor Shōmu strengthened Buddhism in Japan by commissioning large-scale Buddhist projects, including the construction of the Great Buddha in Nara, and encouraging the spread of Buddhism through edicts that established provincial temples.

Who was Ganjin, and what impact did he have on Japanese Buddhism?

Ganjin was a high-ranking monk from Nánjiān who traveled to Japan in 754 despite numerous setbacks, including the loss of his eyesight. He contributed significantly to the ordination of monks and also shared knowledge about sculpture and medicinal herbs.

What was the significance of the relocation of the capital to Nagaoka in 784?

The capital was relocated to Nagaoka in 784 to distance the government from Buddhist influence. Nagaoka was chosen for its better transportation facilities, but the city faced two major floods before the capital was moved again, this time to Heian (modern Kyoto).

Why was Kasuga Taisha Shrine built, and what role does it play today?

Kasuga Taisha Shrine was constructed in 768 to protect Heijō-kyō and bring prosperity to the people. It continues to hold festivals and seasonal rituals today, attracting tourists worldwide. The shrine is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.