Buddhism and the State in Sixteenth-Century Japan

Buddhism and the State in Sixteenth-Century Japan examines the complex relationship between Buddhist institutions and political power during Japan's tumultuous Sengoku period. The book focuses on the militant Buddhist monastery Enryakuji and its interactions with both the imperial court and rising warlords. McMullin reconstructs the social and political landscape of 16th century Japan through extensive analysis of primary sources, including temple records, court documents, and warrior chronicles. The narrative traces how Buddhist temples maintained their autonomy and influence through military force, economic power, and religious authority. The work details specific conflicts and power struggles between Buddhist institutions and secular rulers, particularly during the rise of Oda Nobunaga and his campaign to unite Japan. McMullin examines the strategies employed by both Buddhist leaders and political figures as they vied for control. This study illuminates broader themes about the relationship between religion and state power, demonstrating how religious institutions can function as political entities while maintaining their spiritual authority. The book raises questions about the nature of legitimate authority and the balance between secular and religious power.

Readers note this book provides detail on Buddhist institutions' political and military power during the Sengoku period, focusing on how temples operated as independent states. Academic reviewers appreciate the analysis of primary sources and temples' administrative records. Positives: - Clear explanation of temple-state relationships - Documents the economic resources of major temples - Includes maps and statistics about temple holdings - Discusses warrior-monks' organization and tactics Negatives: - Dense academic writing style - Assumes prior knowledge of Japanese history - Limited discussion of religious/doctrinal aspects - High price for a relatively short book Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (11 ratings) WorldCat: No ratings available Amazon: Only used copies listed, no reviews One reviewer on Goodreads wrote that it's "heavy on institutional history but light on religious content." Another noted it "fills an important gap in English-language scholarship about militant Buddhism in Japan."

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🔸 The book examines how Buddhist institutions lost their centuries-old autonomy and military power during Japan's reunification under Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 1500s. 🔸 Author Neil McMullin was a professor at the University of Toronto and pioneered the study of Japanese Buddhist institutional history in Western academia. 🔸 The Honganji, a powerful Buddhist sect featured prominently in the book, maintained an army of warrior-monks called sōhei who could rival the forces of Japan's greatest daimyo. 🔸 One of the key events covered is the siege of the Ishiyama Honganji temple fortress, which lasted for 10 years (1570-1580) - one of the longest sieges in Japanese history. 🔸 The religious institutions discussed in the book often controlled vast estates, minted their own currency, and maintained independent diplomatic relations with various Japanese political entities.