Eihukuji temple in Nara prefecture is not popular for not only foreign tourists but also Japanese people. But there is an origin of Japanese thought and national character.
This temple is dedicated Prince Shotoku and his mausoleum is here. Who is he?
Prince Shotoku(A.D574~622 ?) served the 33rd Empress Suiko as a Regent. Then he was still 20years old.
In his life, He took in Buddhism as a state religion, built temples in various parts of country and dispatched international students to the Sui dynasty(China) to take in advanced Chinese culture.
His most famous achievement is that in 604, drafted the Constitution of seventeen Articles.
This Constitution says in Article1 “ Respect Wa(Harmony), do not dispute.”
It further tells people to respect Buddhism and says that, since all people are a man of mediocrity, when it comes to important matters, they should renounce their anger and discuss with each other so that they can realize the Truth.
In this sense, it can be said that the Japanese democracy originates with this Constitution.
He is very mysterious man. He has many names. In a legend, he was born in front of stable and cured sick person by only a touch. These may be effect of Christian birth. He could listen to 10 people’s speak and answered at the same time.
Some of scholars says He was assassinated or he was fictitious character and his achievements are not true though there was powerful someone who was referred as the model.
But we are inheriting the spirit of Wa(Harmony)
certainly.