Inspired by the Past, Looking to the Future: Japanese Buddhist Nuns Then and Now

서지정보

· 발행기관 : 대행선연구원
· 수록지 정보 : 한마음연구 / 10권 / 13 ~ 95페이지
· 저자명 : 모니카 베테(Monica Bethe)

초록

The roles available to Japanese women as Buddhist devotees and nuns were and are diverse, spanning a time frame from the introduction of Buddhism in the sixth century till today. Some thirteen major sects and many more splinter sects have arisen over the past fourteen centuries. In general, early Japanese Buddhism reflected Chinese customs of each period, being very inclusive of ordained women in the sixth through eigth centuries, but exclusive after the introduction of esoteric sects in the early ninth century. The thirteenth century saw a revival of female ordination, expansion of convents, and the emergence of women who were influential and highly respected for their deep insight and faith even within the male dominated world. At the same time, new sects inspired by native leaders, such as the Jōdo, Nichiren, Ji, and Jōdo Shinshū sects, appealed to a wide popular base by preaching salvation through calling on the name of Amida and other simpler expressions of faith. Though different within each sect, the general trend was greater inclusion of women.
After restoring peace, in the seventeenth century the Tokugawa shogunate systematized the temple system, instigating mandatory affiliation with a temple (danka system). Convents were ranked, with those having imperial members at the top and itinerant nuns somewhere near the bottom. Then, in 1868, with the Meiji Restoration of imperial rule, a strict separation of the native Shinto religion and Buddhism led to another restructuring. This included priests’ marriage, resulting in temples being passed down through family members. This in turn opened up the possibility of women becoming head priests. The article focuses on outstanding women from key periods and sects, including Empress Kōmyō, Chūjōhime, Abbess Shinnyō, Abbess Mugai Nyodai, Abbess Tokugon Riho, and the nun Ryonen. It also includes descriptions of the life in a convent today by Abbess Hinonishi Kōson and as a head priest in a Tokyo temple by Reverend Ikuko Hibino.

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