Test on Introduction of Buddhism to Early Japan

Question 1: The murals inside the main hall of Hōryūji temple were among the precious objects saved from the fire in 670.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that the murals inside the main hall are thought to date from c.711, whereas the fire occurred in 670. Only 'a few precious objects were saved from the 670 fire,' and the murals are not listed among them.

Question 2: Did King Sŏngmyŏng of Paekche dispatch envoys to Japan in 552 with an offering of a gold and copper statue of Sākyamuni Buddha along with sūtras and treatises?

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The chronicle Nihon shoki for the year 552 records that King Sŏngmyŏng of Paekche dispatched envoys to Japan, bringing with them a gold and copper statue of Sākyamuni Buddha, banners, canopies, sūtras, and treatises.

Question 3: According to the account in the Nihon shoki, what items were included in the Buddhist gifts dispatched by King Sŏngmyŏng of Paekche to Japan in 552?

A. Several volumes of sūtras and treatises

B. A gold and copper statue of Sākyamuni Buddha

C. Several banners and canopies

D. Vessels for an anointing ritual

Explanation: The Nihon shoki account for 552 states that King Sŏngmyŏng of Paekche dispatched a gold and copper statue of Sākyamuni Buddha, several banners and canopies, and several volumes of sūtras and treatises. The mention of 'vessels for an anointing ritual' comes from the Gangōji garan engi narabi ni ruki shizaichō, which presents a different account of the introduction of Buddhism.

Question 4: According to the study materials, which statement accurately describes the 'Seventeen Articles' of 604?

A. They were primarily an inventory of treasures found in Hōryūji, attributed to Prince Shōtoku.

B. They included a principle of reverence for the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Saṅgha), and their authenticity is somewhat suspect.

C. They were a set of rules for temple construction brought from Paekche in 577.

D. They were a decree issued by Empress Suiko to prohibit the building of large tomb mounds.

Explanation: The study materials state that Prince Shōtoku is said to have been responsible for the 'Seventeen articles' of 604, and among their general principles, they include 'Reverence for the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Saṅgha'. It also notes that their authenticity is somewhat suspect because their first mention is in *Nihon shoki*.

Question 5: In early Japan, Buddhism was immediately understood as a fully developed monastic religion upon its introduction.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Buddhism was initially interpreted as just another cult in early Japan, and it took some time before anyone recognizable as a 'monk' emerged.