Japanese Thought System 2 Collected Works of Prince Shotoku Iwanami Shoten, First Edition, April 1975 A5 size, Price: ¥2,800, 592 pages The core of Prince Shotoku's thought is: ・Shoman-gyo Gisho (Commentary on the Srimala Sutra): Interpretation of a Mahayana Buddhist scripture (along with the Lotus Sutra and the Vimalakirti Sutra, forming the Three Sutra Commentaries) ・Seventeen Article Constitution: The oldest written law outlining the principles for officials. It advocates for harmony, faith, and care for the people. ・Jogu Shotoku Hokō Teisetsu: Biographical material. * The original text (in Chinese) can be read by referring to the footnotes on the pages. Supplementary notes and explanations are included at the end of the volume. Prince Shotoku's thought supported the transition from the clan-led politics of the time to a centralized nation centered on the Emperor, from both ethical and religious perspectives. It centered on the "altruism" of Mahayana Buddhism, integrated Confucian morality and the governance theories of the Legalists, and aimed to build an Emperor-centered nation based on individual autonomy and the spirit of "harmony." Represented by the "Three Sutra Commentaries" and the "Seventen Article Constitution," it has been passed down as a spiritual foundation for the Japanese people for many years. The spirit of "harmony" (Article 1 of the Seventeen Article Constitution): Value harmony and emphasize reconciliation to prevent conflicts of opinion. The nationalization of Buddhism: Revered the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) and sought to practice Buddhist ideals within society and the nation, rather than focusing solely on personal practice. Integration with Confucianism and Legalism: Incorporated Confucian rule by virtue and Legalist rule by law (constitution), applying them to concrete organizational management and the court rank system. The beginning of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism: Harmonized the local guardian deities (Shinto) with Buddhism, which sought personal salvation, laying the foundation for subsequent Japanese beliefs. There is yellowing and staining due to aging; please see the photos. We appreciate your understanding of used books.