Religion, Power, and the Rise of Shinto in Early Modern Japan

This book explores the relationship between religion and state in early modern Japan, highlighting the growing awareness of Shinto among the political and intellectual elite of Tokugawa Japan. It discusses how the government controlled the populace through Buddhism while also submitting it to the Tokugawa dynasty's sacralization. It also examines the religious protests and the attempts to curtail the institutional power of Buddhism by reforming Shinto shrines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the intricate relationship between religion and state in early modern Japan, shedding valuable light on the evolving consciousness of Shinto among the political and intellectual elites of Tokugawa Japan. Despite the enduring dominance of Buddhism as the privileged means of stately religious control, the author highlights the growing recognition of Shinto within this society.

In the first part of the book, the author examines the strategies employed by the Tokugawa government to exert control over the population while simultaneously submitting Buddhism to the sanctification of the Tokugawa dynasty. The government sought to harmonize these two objectives, aiming to harness the power of Buddhism for social stability while ensuring its alignment with the dynasty's religious beliefs.

The second part of the book delves into the diverse range of religious protests that occurred throughout the Tokugawa period. Chapters are dedicated to the suppression of Christians, heterodox Buddhist sects, and unwanted folk practitioners, providing a comprehensive account of the challenges and controversies faced by religious minorities during this time.

The third part of the book explores the intriguing question of why early Tokugawa Confucianism exhibited a particular interest in "Shinto" as an alternative to Buddhism. The author examines the philosophical and cultural factors that influenced this shift, exploring how Confucianism sought to reconcile its principles with the indigenous Shinto beliefs and practices.

The final part of the book focuses on efforts to curtail the institutional power of Buddhism by reforming Shinto shrines. This process, known as the "Shintoization of shrines," involved the development of a self-contained Shinto clergy and the establishment of Shinto as a distinct religious entity within Japanese society.

Through its comprehensive analysis, this book offers a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics between religion and state in early modern Japan, providing valuable insights into the historical development of Shinto and its role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of Tokugawa Japan.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350181069