Jien's Periodization of the History of Japan: Philosophical Underpinnings

Abstract

This study analyzes the philosophical underpinnings of the periodization of Japanese history proposed by the Tendai monk Jien (1155-1225) in the early 13th century within the framework of Japanese Buddhism. The research is based on the historiosophical writing Gukansho (c. 1221). In Gukansho, Jien linked the idea of historical causation to Buddhism cosmology and offered a periodization of his country's history in terms of Japanese Buddhism. It is well known among Japanologists that Jien divided Japanese history into seven periods according to invisible and visible principles - dori. After a textual analysis of Gukansho, the author has concluded that invisible principles are rules determined by the cosmic world order and visible principles are rules determined by the worldly power and order. The textual analysis allows distinguishing three other periodization schemes depending on various criteria: 1) three traditionally designated epochs (ancient times, recent ancient times, present days); 2) three periods corresponding to the three ages of the deterioration of the Buddhist Doctrine (The True Law, The Semblance Law, The Latter Day of the Law); 3) four periods due to the form of rulership (an emperor, an emperor and a regent, an ex-emperor, an emperor with a shogun and a regent). The author shows that the four classifications do not conflict with each other. They are closely interrelated and organize historical data to legitimize the supreme power of the imperial house, the Fujiwara regency and the military rule. The traditional periodization is a simple scheme reflecting empirical observation. The three other schemes are based on the theoretical framework and shaped by the Buddhist cosmological worldview and the theory of the three ages of Buddhism. These three classifications create a causative context for historical events. They reveal the up-and-down course of Japanese history working towards degeneracy. The four forms of rulership are ways of adjusting to different stages of the deteriorating half of the kalpa. The traditional tripartite periodization is included in this philosophical system by being grounded on the doctrine of the three ages of Buddhism.