Population growth in combination with the implementation of a highly centralized government and strong military saw T"tmang power and influence grow alongside their wealth. During this golden age, China was undoubtedly the most wealthy and technologically sophisticated country in the world. Japan, like the rest of China"tms neighbors paled in comparison to the greatness of the Chinese Empire. In response to the T"tmang"tms expansive empire, Japan began to deliberately mimic China"tms strengths, both militarily and politically. In addition, the T"tmang Empire came to be seen by the Japanese as a superior civilization and higher culture from which they could properly educate their people. Thus, we can see that the T"tmang Empire"tms success inspired the Japanese to develop a wealthy and powerful state.
One of the clearest examples of borrowed Chinese principles lies in Japan"tms development of a Chinese styled bureaucracy. The political reforms made by the Japanese government demonstrate that the imitation of Chinese dogma was carried out deliberately and shamelessly. The Great Reform known as the Taika, began in 645. The goal of the Im
Nara served as both the center of authority and religion in Japan. Based on these two factors, the city was also the epicenter of education and literature in Japan. By examining the basis of privileged learning in Japan we can see that many aspects of Chinese culture were incorporated into their system of education and literature. Thus far, it has been very apparent that Japan revered everything "Chinese" as high culture. The art, politics, and religion were all intensely imitated as we have seen. Perhaps the most integrated and undeniable evidence of this early admiration lies in the contemporary written language of Japan. The borrowed written language of Japan remains in use by all modern day Japanese. While the use of Chinese written characters was established in Japan by the fifth century, it was not until the sixth century during the period cultural borrowing that the language flourished and came to be used by a more literate society. Much of this growth is attributed to the spread of Buddhism.
In 552 AD, the King of Paekche, from the region of modern day Korea, sent Buddhist images and scripts, and also the following words to Emperor Kimmei:
The study of Japan"tms period of borrowing also emphasizes Japanese imitation of Chinese architecture and city planning. Much importance is placed on the eighth century imperial capital city of Nara for this reason. Nara, based on its tile roofed Chinese style buildings and city layout, is said to have been modeled after the great T"tmang capital of Ch"tmang An. Designed for the most part by Korean and Chinese architects, Nara mimicked the rectangular shape and checkerboard streets, characteristic of Ch"tmang An. The government buildings and Imperial palace were also laid out in accordance to Ch"tmang An. The reason such blatant mimicry lies in the fact that the T"tmang dynasty represented greatness and modernity. The Japanese believed their emperor needed an impressive imperial city to gain prestige and respectability equal to that of the T"tmang leaders. Another reason for this strong architectural influence lay in the Japanese conversion to Chinese religions.
Let every man have his own charge, and let not the spheres of duty be confused. When wise men are entrusted with office, the sound of praise arises. If unprincipled men hold office, disasters and tumults are multiplied. In this world, few are born with knowledge: wisdom is the product of earnest mediation.
This doctrine can create religious merit and retribution without measure and without bounds, and so lead on to a full appreciation of the highest wisdom. Imagine a man in possession of treasures to his heart"tms content, so that he might satisfy all his wishes in proportion as he used them. Thus it is with the treasure of this wonderful doctrine. Every prayer is fulfilled and naught is wanting.
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