Timeline of Japanese Buddhism

Year

Major Events in Japanese Buddhism

538 or 552

• Buddhism introduced into Japan.

594 C.E.

• Imperial Decree Encouraging Buddhism promulgated.

607

• Horyu-ji Temple built, completed in 615 C.E.

621 or 622

• "Commentaries on the Three Scriptures", by Prince Shotoku.

752

• The Huge Statue of the Vairocana Buddha of the Todai-ji Temple of Nara completed.

770

• One Million Miniature Stupas (Pagodas) built in 794 C.E. Capital moved from Nara to Kyoto.

805

• Saicho (767-822) established Tendai Buddhism.

806

• Kukai (774-835) established Shingon Buddhism.

822

• The Establishment of the Mahayana Disiplines.

972

• Kuya (903-972), an advocator of the Pure Land Faith, died.

985

• Genshin (944-1017) wrote the 0-jo-yo-shu (Collection of Essential Documents to Attain the Birth in the Pure Land)

1124

• Ryonin (1072-1132) founded the Yuzu- gatari) written Nembutsu Sect.

1175

• Honen (1133-1212) founded the Jodo Sect.

1191

• Eisai (1141-1215) founded the Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism.

1224

• Shinran (1173-1262) founded the Jodo-Shin Sect.

1227

• Dogen (1200-1253) founded the Soto Zen Sect.

1252

• The Huge Image of Amida Buddha at Kamakura cast.

1253

• Nichiren (1222-1282) founded the Nichiren Sect of Buddhism.

1275

• Ippen (1239-1289) founded the Ji Sect.

1339

• The Moss-garden of the Saiho-ji Temple in Kyoto built.

1397

• The Kinkaku-ji Temple or the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto built.

1499

• The Rock-garden of the Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto built. • Rennyo (1415-1499), restorer of the Jodo-Shin Sect, died.

1602

• The Jodo-Shin Sect Split into the Higashi (East) and the Nishi (West) Hongan-ji Schools.

1613

• The Danka System or the Family-temple system formed.

1654

• Ingen or Yin-yuan (1592-1673) introduced the Obaku Sect of Zen Buddhism.

1681

• Buddhist Scriptures in Chinese Version published by Tetsugen.

1868

• Buddhism suppressed by the Shintoists. • The Meiji Restoration.

1872

C• elibacy and vegetarianism allowed by governmental permission.
• Ban on Christianity cancelled. • Women admitted to Buddhist temple.

1873

Religions in Japan put under government control.

1934

Taisho Edition of the Buddhist Scriptures in Chinese Version completed in 100 volumes.

1951

• The Religious Juridical Persons Law. • Japan's Peace Treaty enforced signed.

1952

• The Second World Buddhists Conference held in Tokyo.

1959

• Buddha Jayanti, commemorating 2,500 years of Buddhism is held in Japan.

1968

• International Buddhist Exchange Centre incorporated.