BRIEF HISTORY OF SECRET BUDDHISM IN JAPAN
Four superior Buddhist priests and others had brought the theory and practice of Buddhism to Japan. From that time, Secret Buddhism was organized and thoroughly systematized by Kukai, who was the great master Kobo at Koyosan (mountain of Koyo). Kobo was also the founder of the Shingon sect in Japan. He was a fine artist of sculpture and calligraphy. His works of literature were admired both in China and Japan. The Secret Sect, or Diamond Vehicle, might be represented by Kobo who had compiled the complete Secret Doctrine in Japan. To understand the position of the Secret Doctrine, it is necessary to sketch the civilization process brought by Buddhism to this country.
Buddhism from Korea had spread to Japan in 552 or 538 AD, at the start of the Gregorian calendar, when King Kudara dedicated a Sakyamuni statue made in bronze, together with a number of scriptures and religious objects to Emperor Kim Mei. After about 50 years after the first official entry of Buddhism. Prince Shotoku Taishi became King (574-622 AD). He had built many beautiful monasteries in Nara and its vicinity. Among them was the Horyyuji monastery, which still exists today. The prince was a scholar who wrote explanations for many scriptures such as the Pundarika, Srimala, and Vimalakirti Sutras.
At that time, Buddhism had not been clearly divided into many sects as today. Six Schools of Buddhism were introduced in Japan and flourished during the Nara period. They were Abhidharma- Koram Satya-Siddhi, Hosso Shu (Fa- Siang- Tsoung), Sanronshu (San- Lun-Tsoung), and Kegonshu (HoaYen- Tsoung). The schools provided a forum for learning literature, philosophy, science, religion and culture. As such, they were regarded as an endless treasure that motivated all artistic activities.
The Buddhist monasteries were managed by monks and financed by the imperial court. They served as schools, hospitals, pharmacies, orphanages and nursing homes. The growth of Buddhism in its initial stage had been nurtured with such a high cost that, by the 8th century it became a burden to the country. It was partly due to the selfishness of the privileged monks and nuns, and partly due to the importance put on trivial items of display rather than on major issues. Buddhism of Nara started to shift in another direction and soon was replaced by Buddhism of Helan (Peaceful Buddhism).
At the end of the 8th century AD, King Kwammu moved his capital from Nara to Tokyo. Contrary to the old tradition, he left all monasteries, sanctuaries and shrines in Nara, and established new ones on the mountain of Hiei, south of Tokyo. The new leaders of Buddhism, Dengyodaishi and Kukai then entered the arena as the two brightest and biggest stars. Secret Buddhism began to flourish.
