The Issue of Precepts and Discussion on the Significance of the Existence of Monks and Nuns in Early Modern Japanese Buddhism

Abstract

In the late Edo-early Meiji period, Japan witnessed major political, economic, social, and cultural changes. In that context, Buddhists were forced to accept new government policies including the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, unification of religious practices. In particular, the most shocking regulations for Buddhists were Proclamation No. 133 issued in the 5th year of Meiji (1872) and Proclamation No. 26 issued in the 6th year of Meiji (1873), which clearly stated that monks and nuns could freely live like lay people. These regulations have caused confusion among Japanese Buddhist monks and nuns, as well as division in their views on the precepts and the meaning of the existence of monks and nuns in the new era. Through the analysis of the theories of contemporary Buddhist monks and nuns, the article clarifies the situation and new views on the precepts and the meaning of the existence of monks and nuns as a driving force for reforming Buddhism during that time.