Dan Snow's History Hit Mount Hiei: Home of Japan's Warrior Monks
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May 20, 2025 Dr. Chris Harding, a Senior Lecturer in Asian History at the University of Edinburgh, shares his expertise on Mount Hiei, the sacred home of warrior monks in Japan. He delves into the intense training and meditation practices of these monks and their critical role in the Sengoku period, protecting Kyoto. The discussion uncovers the fascinating evolution of Tendai Buddhism, its militarization, and the impact of the tragic 1571 siege led by Oda Nobunaga, illustrating the complex interplay between faith, power, and Japan's unification.
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Mount Hiei's Dual Role
- Mount Hiei was a densely inhabited sacred mountain with thousands of Buddhist buildings and communities.
- It served both religious purposes and political functions, protecting Kyoto and the imperial family.
Tendai's Inclusive Buddhism
- The Tendai sect on Mount Hiei embraced all Buddhist teachings under one umbrella, making it inclusive.
- Saichō argued that everyone has Buddha nature and can achieve enlightenment, not just monastics.
Buddhism and Shinto Cooperation
- There was initial tension between Buddhism and native Shinto, often blamed for disasters.
- Over time, the Japanese elite saw that having both Buddhist and Shinto protections was spiritually beneficial.