Survival Strategies of Buddhist Temples in the “Political City” of Kyoto during the Late Edo Period

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  • 幕末京都の政治都市化と寺院の生存戦略
  • 幕末京都の政治都市化と寺院の生存戦略 : 宗派横断的な視点から
  • バクマツ キョウト ノ セイジ トシカ ト ジイン ノ セイゾン センリャク : シュウハ オウダンテキ ナ シテン カラ
  • An Analysis Across Sectarian Boundaries
  • 宗派横断的な視点から

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Abstract

<p>This paper defines the actions of Buddhist temples in the political situation of the late Edo period as “survival strategies.” It examines the cases of Myōhō-in (Tendai sect) and Chishaku-in (Shingon sect). Both temples were designated as jinsho, or military posts by the Tosa Domain. I also explore Nishi Honganji (Jōdo Shinshū sect) for a comparison with these cases. Myōhō-in accepted the role of jinsho positively, because of financial difficulties and the absence of monzeki, who were Buddhist priests of aristocratic or imperial lineage. By contrast, Chishaku-in resisted its role as jinsho, because the priests at Chishaku-in considered it more important to sustain their school. The differences in the survival strategies of the two temples were caused by their social relations and the structure of their sects in the Edo period. In other words, the gap in the organizational capability of each temple/sect at the end of the Edo period resulted in their rejection or acceptance of their role as military posts. In comparison with Myōhō-in and Chishaku-in, Nishi-Honganji was able to demonstrate leadership, because the monzeki of Nishi Honganji was the chief priest of both the temple and the sect. An original system complemented both the doctrinal and religious authorities within the sect. Nishi Hoganji's strategy was founded in strong organizational capabilities that smoothened the temple's and sect's decision-making process, which made it relatively easy for clergy to implement these decisions.</p>

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