【Biography】Prince Shōtoku - The politician who created Japan's oldest laws -

A booklet from Happy Science that can be learned by parents and children Monthly 'Hermes Angels' No. 264 open_in_new introduces the biography of Prince Shōtoku.

Prince Shōtoku (しょうとくたいし) (574 - 622)

Prince Shōtoku was born in 574, when 'Buddhism' was beginning to be introduced to Japan, in Asuka (Nara Prefecture). He was a hard worker and studied well about reading, archery, horseback riding, and also 'Buddhism'.

When Prince Shōtoku was 20 years old, Japan's first female emperor, Empress Suiko (すいこてんのう), was born. Empress Suiko appointed Prince Shōtoku, who had political talent, as 'Regent (せっしょう)' to carry out politics on behalf of the emperor.

'I will incorporate excellent foreign cultures to develop the country. And I will ensure that people believe in Buddhism and can live peacefully. I want to make this country like the Land of Eternal Life (Heaven).'

With great aspirations, Prince Shōtoku took on the role of regent.

Prince Shōtoku put his aspirations into action one after another.

'The Twelve Levels of Ranks', which stated that anyone with effort and ability could hold a high-ranking job, and the 'Seventeen Article Constitution', which emphasized the importance of Buddha and the teachings of Buddhism, were wonderful laws that were the first in Japan.

He also sent Ono no Imoko (おののいもこ) and others as 'Envoys to Sui (けんずいし)' to the powerful Sui dynasty in China. As a result, exchanges flourished, and new cultures and arts entered Japan.

Since Prince Shōtoku began to govern, Asuka developed remarkably.

Prince Shōtoku was active as regent for about 30 years. He built temples in various places and created commentaries on sutras, continuing to work for the people until he passed away at the age of 49.

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