History 2605E Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Amitābha, Enryaku-Ji, Shingon Buddhism
9 Dec 2012
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Document Summary
Nara only remains capital for around 80 years. Nara temples become increasingly wealthy through land grants. Compete with aristocratic families for influence in court. Emperor kanmu along with the fujiwara family decide to transfer the capital to cut down on influence of nara buddhist clergy. Structure would endure until 1868, although realities would change. Cone capital established in heian, central state gained increasing control. Competition between great families over titles and offices. Council of state, eight ministries, and office of deities. Peasants paid taxes in grain, textiles, and labour. Society divided into court aristocrats, local elites, and commoners who farmed land guaranteed by the state. Dominant aristocratic family in the imperial court. Cemented by providing consorts to the emperors. First started by fujiwara family to gain influence over young rulers. Later, retured emperors tried to increase imperial family s private land holdings. Exceptions made to certain lands belonging to aristocrats, temples, and new lands.
