The Influence of Tang Dynasty Buddhism on Japanese Buddhism after Jianzhen’s Eastward Journey

Abstract

As a significant bridge for cultural exchange, Buddhism not only fostered deep understanding on a religious level but also exerted broad and profound influence on culture, philosophy, and art. This paper introduces the life of the eminent Tang Dynasty monk Jianzhen, his journey to Japan, and the lasting impacts of this journey. As a high-ranking monk of the Vinaya and Tiantai schools, Jianzhen felt a strong responsibility to spread Buddhist teachings after being invited by Japanese monks and thus resolutely decided to journey to Japan. In Japan, he established the Vinaya school, standardized Buddhist rituals, promoted cultural exchange and integration, elevated the status of Buddhism, and advanced Buddhist education and research. Jianzhen's eastward journey profoundly influenced Japanese religious culture, while also having a broad impact on education, art, architecture, and the diversification of Japanese society and culture.