THE MARTIAL ARTS OF THE EDO PERIOD AND THE THOUGHT OF THE WAY OF HEAVEN (TENDO)-Through the Comparison of Enlightenment Writings and Martial Arts Writings-
1989 Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 1-11
Details
1989 Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 1-11
The purpose of this article is to elucidate the significance of the concept of “The Way of Heaven”(Tendo). First, the concept of “The Way of Heaven” in some enlightenment books, such as Shingakugorinsho, etc., is examined. Next, the meaning of “The Way of Heaven” in the secret books of martial arts, such as Heihokadensho, etc., is defined. Through a comparison of these two concepts of “The Way of Heaven” follows, the similarities between the two schools of thoughts in discussed.
The results of this article are summarized as follows:
1) Originally “The Way of Heaven” includes not only the rules of nature but also the rules of morals or “The Way of Man” (Jindo). “The Way of Heaven” as found in the enlightenment books, such as Shingakugorinsho, etc., supports the ideology of the Tokugawa Bakufu, and is based on the unification of the three schools of thoughts, Shinto, Confucianism, and Buddhism.
2) “The Way of Heaven” in the secret books of martial arts, such as Heihokadensho, is derived from San-Rue, and permits the unavoidable fight in the cause of justice. This idea was considered suitable for the policy of the Tokugawa Bakufu. According to the written prayer (Kishoumon), “The Way of Heaven” was considered to be a god or buddha. In other words, “The Way of Heaven” in Martial Arts was also considered to have a commonality with both Shintoism and Buddhism.
3) As has been examined in this paper, the idea of “The Way of Heaven” in the enlightenment writings and the martial arts writings of the Edo Period contained various and complex meanings, borrowing from the different philosophical and cultural traditions of the Period. In short, “The Way of Heaven”is a “master key”, which elucidates the commonality of Shinto, Confucian, and Buddhist thoughts, as well as martial arts. Therefore, the philosophical thought of martial arts compares favorably with the three schools of thoughts (Shinto, Confucianism, and Buddhism) through the foundation of “The Way of Heaven”.
