Question

Considering the Buddhist art we examined from we examined from India, China, and Japan, what might have been an advantage rulers gained by aligning themselves with the various incarnations of Buddhas and/or Bodhisattvas? What might have been a drawback?

Answer 1

In Japan, India and China, Buddhism flourished greatly. It was also helpful to the rulers.

Bilateral relationship : For the flourishing of Buddhuism and Buddhotsava a deep bilareral relationship was formed in the countries. They were in same religious belief. Art and culture was same. Therefore many Chinese scholars would come to India. It is also found that India was not attacked by Chinese rulers after the spread of Buddhuism. On the other hand, Indian Buddhist kings did not attack Japan or China and India was not attacked by the Buddhuist kings of China and Japan.

Mutual understanding: As there were mutual understanding the three countries developed a common culture. There was exchange of knowledge and customs. The Buddhuist rulers of China, India and Japan would help each other. Even the Buddhist priests of China and Japan were free to move any parts of India and they would be allowed to preach Buddhuism.

Discovery of historical facts: The Buddhism helps the three countries to discover ancient history and cultures. Many unknown facts would be written in the Buddhism scriptures and they help to explore the ancient facts.

But there was also drawback of the alignments with religions. It caused a barrier in harmony with other religions, mainly Hinduism. There was a conflict between Buddhuism and Hinduism. Besides, religious based alignment also prevents the expansion of the religion.