RELG 253 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Ethnic Religion, Nature Religion, Miko

• School: McGill University
• Department: Religious Studies
• Course: RELG 253
• Professor: G Hori

Document Summary

Period in which first imperial capital of japan built. Heijo, built in imitation of chinese city chang-an. North of city was imperial palace to face south, and north-south roads to split the city into a yin-yang position. Competition japan feels like it"s under to show it also has culture and civilization. Whenever a new ruler came to the throne, he changed the capital. Death of previous emperor considered to pollute, defile the place. Buddhism was established, extremely popular in aristocracy. In provinces, emperors built two monasteries, one for men and women. Monks and nuns were asked to live there and live a virtuous life for merit and purity. Create merit and turn it over for the protection of the country: social disharmony, floods. Lead a pure life, otherwise they didn"t create merit. Office set up to ensure that monks and nuns lead their lives purely. Buddhism used by emperor in his attempt to assert authority over uji.