Question

What has prince shotoku done for Buddhism?

Answer 1

It is clear that indigenous religion called Shinto has already existed in Japan before Buddhism. But According to a historical chronicle, Buddhism was officially introduced into Japan by a king of Paekche in 552 A.D during the time of emperor Kinmei. After Buddhism was introduced and sent Buddhist icons and ritual objects to Japanese court by Korean king Paekche, there were some conflict between those acceptors and rejecters of Buddhism in Japan. On other hand, there is some Buddhist believers had already existed before Buddhism was officially introduced; they were Korean and Chinese immigrants, they practiced Buddhism despite they did not claim themselves as Buddhists. The country was not politically stable which divided into many provinces and ruled by different clans. Around third century A.D, Yamato clan emerged as a powerful clan among them and Japan was gradually united but still not fully unified yet. There were three clans (Soga, Mononobe, and Nakatomi) who became powerful but lower rank to Yamato imperial family.

They were collaborated in order to govern the country which each undertook the responsibilities in different sectors. Each clan was responsible for the governing for the nation. Soga clan was responsible management of the imperial estate and finance, and Mononobe clan take on responsibility for the military affair of imperial family, likewise Nakatomi clan undertake the duty of rituals and ceremonies of imperial family. And the most important thing in the history of Japanese Buddhism was that Prince Shotoku played the most important role to spread of Buddhism in Japan. Buddhism flourished and under pious Prince Shotoku developed rapidly. Prince Shotoku played a very important role in government with culture, religion as well as diplomatic with China and Korea.  

Answer 2

Explanation:

Borrowing From China. Along with Buddhism, Prince Shotoku studied the writings of Confucius. Shotoku believed that Confucianism could help unify his country. In about A.D. 604, the prince gave Japan its first constitution, or plan of government.