| Research Abstract |
As an example of the Shinto-Buddhist separation policy, the case of two restructuring projects at Izumo Taisha shrine (Shimane Pref., Hikawa County, Taisha Town) in the years 1609 and 1667, were respectively considered. The earlier period was a time of co-learning between Shinto and Buddhism while the later was a time of separation. Through a comparison of the shrine at both stages of history, the social background was clarified in this study.
Findings :
Concerning Izumo Taisha after the Kencho restructuring (1609) :
1) Having already been introduced by the end of the medieval age, a sutra chamber (rinzo), a three-storied pagoda (sanju noto), a Mahavairocana hail (dainichi-do), and a bell house (shoro), three Buddhist structures, all existed on the site.
2) The shrine's main hall (honden), not resembling ancient structural characteristics, had strong decorations and possesed clearly Buddhist architectural influence.
Concerning Izumo Taisha after the Kanbun restructuring (1667) :
1) The Kanbu
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n restructuring began as a cooperative effort between Hongan (Buddhist monk active in such projects since the Age of Warring States), Kokuzoke (shrine high priest), and the provincial government of Matsue-han. There was initially no intent to separate Shinto and Buddhist architecture.
2) The original shogunal plan for the shrine had specific Buddhist characteristics, therefore, an intent to separate Shinto and Buddhism architecture is not evident.
3) Shinto-Buddhist separation policy began to affect the shrine's plan after the dismissal of Hongan in 1668, when the project was administered by the shrine and Matsue-han provincial officials alone.
5) Resulting from intentional separation of Shinto and Buddhist architecture, as well as a "return to traditional styles, " the shrine's main hail finally exhibited strong lineal structures and a simple design.
The landscape of Shinto-Buddhist separation :
1) Initially, the friction between the high priest Kokuzoke and Hongan was not apparent. Problems arose with disagreement over proprietary economic rights and the directorship of the restructuring project..
2) Requiring the permission of the shogunate and the strong support of Matsue-han to carry out Shinto Buddhist separation, Matsue-han governor, Matsudaira Naomasa, appointed Kurosawa Hirotada as provincial scholar-teacher of Confucianism, recommending an anti-Buddhist, Shinto-Confucian co-cultivation.
3) While, at the heart of the Shinto-Buddhist separation policy was a movement toward ancient revival, the post-Kanbun shrine structure was a poor attempt at throwing off all Buddhist influence, somewhat following in design of its Kencho predecessor. Less
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