Seventeen Article Constitution of Prince Shotoku

Posted: January 31, 2011 | Author: Doug 陀愚 | Filed under: Buddhism, Confucius, Japan, Politics, Religion | Leave a comment »

Prince Shotoku, the famous prince, Buddhist, and politician, worked to modernize and bring 7th century Japan. I mentioned previously about the Twelve Cap and Rank system based on mainland Chinese models, but I wanted to explore the Seventeen-article constitution, or jūshichijō kenpō (十七条憲法). The constitution, promulgated by Prince Shotoku in 604, was an attempt at introducing Buddhist and Confucian values into Japanese politics at the time, but it is not a constitution in the legally binding sense, but more of a series of guiding principles.¹ Compare this to the US Constitution for example, which is more legalistic and dealing with the practical structure of government.²

The 17 Articles of Prince Shotoku can be read on this site by the University of Columbia among others.

For this reason, among others, Prince Shotoku is sometimes compared to the ancient King Ashoka of India for example of a just Buddhist political leader. The Constitution of Prince Shotoku though definitely has some strong Confucian elements too, in keeping with the blending of different religions at different levels. Compare Article 4 which is very Confucian:

The Ministers and officials of the state should make proper behavior their first principle, for if the superiors do not behave properly, the inferiors are disorderly; if inferiors behave improperly, offenses will naturally result. Therefore when lord and vassal behave with propriety, the distinctions of rank are not confused: when the people behave properly the Government will be in good order.

…with this passage from the Analects of Confucius:

[2:3] Confucius said: “If you govern the people legalistically and control them by punishment, they will avoid crime, but have no personal sense of shame. If you govern them by means of virtue and control them with propriety, they will gain their own sense of shame, and thus correct themselves.” (trans. Charles A.C. Muller)

On the other hand, you can see articles that are quite Buddhist too:

The three treasures, which are Buddha, the (Buddhist) Law and the (Buddhist) Priesthood; should be given sincere reverence, for they are the final refuge of all living things. Few men are so bad that they cannot be taught their truth.

This emphasizes the importance of the Buddha, the Dharma (Law) and the Sangha (Community), while reaffirming that even bad people are capable of redemption.

Or this one, dealing with envy:

Do not be envious! For if we envy others, then they in turn will envy us. The evils of envy know no limit. If others surpass us in intelligence, we are not pleased; if they are more able, we are envious. But if we do not find wise men and sages, how shall the realm be governed?

Prince Shotoku remains a legendary figure in Japan because he exemplifies so many positive qualities: a Confucian gentleman, a Buddhist at heart, a just leader, and of course his role as a prince of the Imperial Family. The Constitution is certainly his most notable legacy too, and a noble undertaking for such an early age in Human History.

¹ …“than actual rules”.

² Although I don’t talk about American politics much, I have to admit when I think about the Constitution and the Forefathers, as an American, I can’t help but feel grateful for such forward-thinking men at the time. It is not the first, nor the last constitution, and has had to be updated and revised many times to reflect the times, but the spirit behind it was something noble, and very “Buddhist” in my opinion because it values all beings. Compare with the words of the Metta Sutra for example.

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