Studies In Ryukyu Buddhism

In 1879, the Japanese government added the territory of Ryukyu into Japanese territory enforcedly, which symbolized the downfall of Ryukyu Emperor. From then on, Ryukyu Buddhism didn't exist any more. Ryukyu Buddhism had more than 600 years' history since Buddhism was introduced into Ryukyu in 1360s. Through studying the documents available to China and Japan, the author makes an attempt to research on the course of the origin, development, prosperity and decline of Ryukyu Buddhism from 1265 to 1879 and analyze why it went downhill after the early 17th century. On the basis of the rise and fall of Ryukyu Buddhism, he researches on the origins of different clans of Ryukyu Buddhism, the monks, the temples and the historical events. In addition, he studies the influence of the Buddhist culture of Japan, Korea and China on the culture of Ryukyu Buddhism to restore the history of Ryukyu Buddhism based on the cultural exchange between Ryukyu and these three countries.