Wisdom from The Nihongi, Part 2 of 2

Let us continue with excerpts from “The Nihongi,” Book 25, “The Emperor Ame-yorodzu-toyo-hi,” which details the peaceful co-existence of Shinto and Buddhism, as well as the importance of leaders being just and virtuous.

“(645 A.D.) Daikwa, 1st year, Autumn, 8th month, 8th day. A messenger was sent to the Great Temple to summon together the Buddhist priests and nuns, and to address them on the part of the Emperor, saying: ‘In the 13th year of the reign of the Emperor who ruled the world in the Palace of Shikishima, King Myong of Pekche reverently transmitted the Law of Buddha to our great Yamato. […] In the reign of the Emperor who ruled the world in the Palace of Osada, Soga no Umako, influenced by the reverence for his deceased father, continued to prize highly the doctrines of Buddha. […] He exalted the doctrine of Buddha and showed honor to its priests and nuns. It is Our desire anew to exalt the pure doctrine and brilliantly to promulgate great principles. […]’

19th day. Commissioners were sent to all the provinces to take a record of the total numbers of the people. The Emperor on this occasion made an edict, as follows: […] The Book of Changes says: ‘Diminish that which is above: increase that which is below: if measures are framed according to the regulations, the resources of the State suffer no injury, and the people receive no hurt.’[…]”

“2nd month, 15th day. The Emperor proceeded to the Eastern Gate of the Palace, where, by Soga-no-oo-omi, He decreed as follows: The God Incarnate, the Emperor Yamato, who rules the world, gives command to the Ministers assembled in His presence, to the Omi, Muraji, Kuni no Miyakko, Tomo no Miyakko, and subjects of various classes, saying: ‘We are informed that wise rulers of the people hung a bell at their gate, and so took cognizance of the complaints of their subjects; they erected buildings in the thoroughfares, where they listened to the censures of the passers-by. Even the opinions of the grass and firewood gatherers they inquired personally and used for their guidance. We, therefore, on a former occasion, made an edict, saying: In ancient times the Empire was ruled by having at the Court flags of honor for the encouragement of good, and a board of censure, the object being to diffuse principles of Government and to invite remonstrances. All this served widely to ascertain the opinions of those below. Kwan-Tsze said: ‘The Emperor Hwang by establishing the Conferences of the Bright Hall, observed the opinions of the wise on the upper hand, while the Emperor Yao, having the inquiries of the street-houses, listened to the people on the lower hand. Shun again had flags to proclaim merit and thus secure publicity; and Yu set up a drum at his Court, thus providing for the investigation into expectations. Thang had the Court of the general control of Districts, whereby he observed the faults of the people. King Wu had the park of the Spirit terrace, and therefore the wise had advancement. Thus the sage Emperor and Illustrious Sovereigns of antiquity possessed and did not lose; they gained and did not destroy.’”