Paper topic:Why did Buddhism have such cross-cultural appeal? Why in particular did rulers seem so attracted to the religion? Its emphasis on renunciation seems to run counter to the desire of most state builders to create institutions that will endure and indeed celebrate the ruler’s achievements.
Making use of the assigned readings, especially the primary sources, and the online exhibits, discuss the role that Buddhism played in state formation in Korea and Japan. What advantages did Buddhism offer to the rulers of the early kingdoms of Korea and Japan?
Readings:“The Buddha-Kingdom of the Flower Garland Sūtra,” “The Humane King as Protector of Buddhism,” “Pŏpkong Declares Buddhism the National Faith,” “The Sūtra of Golden Light” and “Proclamation of Emperor Shōmu,” in Sources of East Asian Tradition, 257-63 Download 257-63, 501-3 Download 501-3, 676-8 Download 676-8.
Charles Holcombe, “Trade-Buddhism,” Journal of the American Oriental Society 119, no. 2 (1999): 280-92 Download 280-92.
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