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Haibutsu Kishaku Policy
The Haibutsu Kishaku policy refers to the movement to eradicate Buddhism during the early Meiji period in Japan. This policy, aimed at promoting Shinto as the national religion, involved the destruction of Buddhist temples, statues, and scriptures, as well as forcing monks to return to secular life, thus oppressing Buddhism.
Background
Haibutsu Kishaku stems from the “Shinbutsu Bunri” decree issued by the new government after the Meiji Restoration. This decree sought to separate Shinto and Buddhism, which had been intertwined for centuries, to eliminate Buddhist influences from Shinto shrines. During the Edo period, the two religions were practiced together, known as “Shinbutsu Shūgō.” The policy intended to draw a clear distinction between the two faiths.
One notable example of Shinbutsu Shūgō can still be seen at “Takao-san Yakuo-in” in Hachioji, Tokyo. Although a Buddhist temple, it has a torii gate and a honden (main hall), remnants of that era.
Read more about Takao-san Yakuo-in
Progress and Impact
The Haibutsu Kishaku movement was carried out by local governments and civilians, leading to violent destruction, especially in regions with numerous temples. While some temples in Buddhist hubs like Nara and Kyoto were preserved, many temples and statues were destroyed across the country, and monks lost their positions. Consequently, much of Japan’s Buddhist cultural heritage was lost.
End of Haibutsu Kishaku and Buddhism’s Revival
Although Haibutsu Kishaku significantly weakened Buddhism’s influence, criticism of the extreme measures and the deep roots of Buddhism in Japanese culture led the Meiji government to gradually ease its stance. Buddhism eventually revived and remains a major religion in modern Japan.
This policy had a profound impact on Japan’s religious landscape during a time of great political transformation under the Meiji government.
Why was the Haibutsu Kishaku Policy Implemented?
Several factors influenced the implementation of the Haibutsu Kishaku policy:
1. Shinbutsu Bunri and the Establishment of State Shinto
The Meiji government aimed to unify the nation under Shinto as Japan’s native religion, issuing the “Shinbutsu Bunri” decree in 1868 to separate Shinto from Buddhism and eliminate Buddhist elements from shrines. The government’s goal was to strengthen the new state system centered around the emperor and elevate Shinto’s status by reducing Buddhist influence.
2. Criticism and Resistance Against Buddhism
In the Edo period, Buddhism played a significant role in the lives of the common people and the governance of the shogunate. However, the temple system’s control over daily life, including census and registry duties, led to resentment among some segments of society. During the social upheaval of the Meiji Restoration, Buddhism, seen as part of the old regime, became a target for those opposing the old order, particularly in rural areas.
3. Response to Western Modernization
The Meiji government sought rapid modernization and reform in order to establish equal relations with Western nations. Seeing that many Western countries had Christianity as their national religion, the government moved to create a strong state religion based on Shinto, aiming to unify the Japanese people and compete with Western powers.
4. Reduction of Buddhist Power
During the Edo period, Buddhist temples held large tracts of land and wielded considerable political and economic influence. The Meiji government sought to weaken Buddhism’s power by confiscating temple lands, reducing their economic and political base. This also served to strengthen central control over rural areas.
5. Fukoku Kyohei and the Elimination of Buddhism
The new government, focused on strengthening and modernizing Japan, sought to consolidate resources and reduce non-productive elements of society, including the Buddhist clergy. The confiscation of temple lands helped fund the government’s efforts to modernize the military and the economy.
Why Did the Haibutsu Kishaku Policy End?
The Haibutsu Kishaku policy eventually came to an end due to several factors:
1. Backlash Against Extreme Anti-Buddhism
In some regions, the destruction caused by Haibutsu Kishaku led to severe criticism from both inside and outside Japan. Local communities familiar with Buddhism, especially in areas deeply tied to the faith, pushed back against the destruction of temples and cultural treasures.
2. Concerns Over Cultural Heritage
As significant historical and cultural treasures were destroyed, there was growing concern over the preservation of Japan’s cultural heritage. The Meiji government recognized the importance of Buddhist heritage to Japanese history and culture and shifted its focus toward protecting cultural assets.
For example, the proclamation of the ”Koki Kyubutsu Preservation Law」 in 1871 addressed these concerns.
3. Re-evaluation of Buddhism’s Role in Society
Buddhism had long been an integral part of Japanese society, providing education, funeral services, and cultural events. The growing recognition that eliminating Buddhism entirely was impractical led the government to soften its stance.
4. Reevaluation of the Relationship Between Religion and the State
As the policy progressed, the government began to recognize that a more balanced relationship between Shinto and Buddhism was necessary. Eventually, both religions were allowed to coexist, each playing a distinct role in society.
5. International Diplomacy Issues
As Japan sought to revise treaties with Western nations, freedom of religion became a significant issue. The harsh treatment of Buddhism and other religions risked damaging Japan’s international image.
For instance, the removal of anti-Christian edicts in 1873, following the Iwakura Mission’s visit to Europe and the United States, was an attempt to improve Japan’s international standing. The criticism of the government’s anti-Buddhist policies by figures like British diplomat Ernest Satow in 1870 also influenced this shift.
6. End of the Policy
The peak of the Haibutsu Kishaku movement occurred from 1868 to around 1871. However, the centralization of power following the 1871 abolition of feudal domains (Haihan Chiken) led the government to curb extreme actions at the local level, effectively ending the policy. Afterward, public suppression of Buddhism eased, and the government sought a more harmonious relationship with the religion.
Daikyo-in System
This system, implemented in 1872, aimed to reconcile Shinto and Buddhism by appointing Shinto priests and Buddhist monks as “kyodo shoku” (instructors), tasked with disseminating government policies.
Proclamation of “Ronshi Fukyo no Michi”
The 1873 proclamation, known as “Ronshi Fukyo no Michi,” marked a significant shift in the government’s approach to religious policies, allowing for a broader range of religious activities.
Summary of the Haibutsu Kishaku Policy
The Haibutsu Kishaku policy, implemented during early Meiji Japan, sought to:
- Establish Shinto as the national religion while diminishing Buddhism’s influence.
- Lasted primarily from 1868 to around 1874.
- Key actions included:
- Issuance of the Shinbutsu Bunri decree
- Abolition and consolidation of temples
- Encouragement of secularization among monks
- Destruction of Buddhist statues and artifacts
- Its effects:
- Destruction of many temples and Buddhist art
- Decline of Buddhism’s social standing
- Violent backlash and uprisings in some areas
- Freedom of religion became an issue in treaty negotiations with Western nations
- By 1874, the policy began to relax, and Buddhism started to recover.
Though Haibutsu Kishaku was a response to the rapid political and religious transformations of the Meiji era, it also resulted in the significant loss of cultural heritage. Despite its attempts to diminish Buddhism’s role, the policy eventually gave way to a more pluralistic approach to religion in Japan.
