Tendai Buddhism Impact

“Buddhist thought governed how aristocrats saw the world; Buddhist institutions became a powerful political and economic force.” Throughout the Heian period two of the most prominent sects of Buddhism, Shingon and Tendai, implemented large political and ideological impacts. Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, attracted many aristocratic followers bringing artistic elements and influential Chinese ideas that aided in the validation of imperial and state power. Within Tendai Buddhism, Saicho developed a rich cosmopolitan community that promoted the protection and validation of the Japanese state. In the Heian period, sects of Buddhism represented different ideologies and exercised different impacts, acting as separate geographical foundations

Kukai studied Esoteric Buddhism in China on a diplomatic mission for two years, immersing himself deep within the culture. He returned with adaptive interpretations of Buddhism and wrote the emperor reflecting on this new knowledge and the positive effect Buddhism had on the Chinese capital. Chinese influences within Heian Buddhism mirrored the adoption of Chinese customs within the Heian state’s political and ideological foundations. Kukai composed powerful poetry adapted from Chinese literature, which could be seen profoundly throughout aristocratic culture at the time as well. Aristocrats easily accepted Shingon and found the artistic nature in line with the cultural surge of the arts. Shingon highlighted the importance of mandalas, mantras, and mudras, as means to enlightenment. They acted as visual, theatrical, and auditory forms of worship, that added to the Heian’s artistic flourishing. Having unique influence on the aristocratic classes, allowed Kukai to have widespread ideological influence within the Heian state. Aside from acting as a respected religious figure, Kukai assumed the role of a politician. Serving in a government post initiated his approval of the construction of a remote monastic center, on Mount Koya. Kukai needed the court's permission to establish his settlement, which further implicates the connectedness between Buddhism and the Heian state. Kukai, within Shingon, opted for for the protection and prosperity of the state as well as the link between the Great Cosmic Buddha and the emperor. This fostered healthy relations between Shingon and the Heian government, promoting state sovereignty and