Week 10 Flashcards
Akuso
An early source mentioned them in the late 10th Century. Warriors that emerged in manors owned by Monasteries. These were menial workers and low ranking monks (Evil Monks), called as such because Buddhist monastic codes strictly prohibit the use of weapons
aristocratisation of the monastic leadership
This meant that that economic and political interests of noble families influence the monasteries. It played a significant role in the militarisation of monasteries because religious interests for economic and political power and aristocratic families were intertwined. When aristocrats entered monasteries, they became commanders of monastic forces. 11th and 12th Centuries
acquired awakening and consequences for violence
During the Insei period 12th to early 13th Century) two religious theories for monastic violence became popular. Human beings should stirve through religious practise to achieve awakening, to achieve this one must not kill. Akuso were exempt from this prohibition
Honen and reaction to this teaching
Emerged during the late 12th Century, Honen believed in the pure land: taught the faith In Amida Buddha and the calling of his name would be sufficient for religious liberation. So don’t give money to monasteries. There was a suppression of this teachings but other religious groups as this was seen as a competitor. Honen was sent into exile in 1207
The Ikko Ikki
These were violent uprisings in the mid 15th Century. Ikki is the name for peasant groups, and Ikko is a Pure Land term for complete determination in pursuing the religious path. Therefore it implies the peasant uprising of Hongan-ji members because of economic exploitation.
Religious idea of equality in Shin Buddhism
Pauly believed that the idea of equality provided the strongest religious-ideological support for peasants. Equality replaced the hierarchical structures in court, state and aristocratic Buddhism. It provided ordinary believers with a sense of responsibility and subjecthood. 12Th Century
Amida and he kami according to True Pure Land Buddhism
Teaches that the only sure path to Buddhahood is to throw oneself at the mercy of one Buddha, Amida, who promised to save all sentient belongings. Through his grace, after death one is reborn in his Pure Land paradise, where one can attain Buddhahood effortlessly. Kami is the belief that there is no god other than Amida
Impact of the belief that Amida grants his grace regardless of merit
15th Century, previously those whose life depended on killing whether of human beings or insects were thought to be unworthy of reincarnation. There was now a belief that those who worshipped Amida now had no obstacles to gain salvation. All equally shared the belief in Pure Land rebirth.
Temple Towns
these were called Jinai and were created by Honganji sect members, these began claiming rights even when they had not been conferred by the governor. They ignored warrior authorities and did not pay taxes in goods or labour.
Mikawa uprising
: Occurred in 1563, a young warrior Tokugawa Ieyasu wanted to establish centralized daimyo rule. The Honganji Sect temples and their right to bar entry to warriors conflicted with his aims and his ability to protect his retained when the townspeople suffered. Ultimately he attacked the temples rights and the sectarians came to the temples defense resulting in warfare.
Oda Nobunga and the Osaka Hongangi
He was an ally of Ieyasu. He threatened the main Honganji Temple’s independence in 1568 and the members of the temple sought to defend it. He demanded that they pay a special tax of 5000 kan and the temple saw this as a abrogation of its rights.
