This article will discuss the influence of Buddhist thought on Watsuji Tetsuro’s ethical works, centering on his study about Dōgen. Watsuji Tetsuro, as a famous cultural historian and ethicist in modern Japan, was also an influential Buddhist researcher. According to his ethical framework, the studies on Buddhism occupied a considerable proportion. However, he regarded them for the "understanding of cultural history", and a part of historical studies. Shamon Dōgen, which included in the book named Study on Japanese Spiritual History is an example.
The article will be developed from three aspects. Firstly, it will focus on the context of Shamon Dōgen and exam Watsuji's pointview of Dōgen and Buddhism (mainly Zen). Secondly, it will combine his understanding on the development of Japanese Buddhism with his ethical framework and the historical position. In this part, the paper will analyze the ethical or moral perspective in depth behind Watsuji's religion explanation. Finally, we will place his particular perspective and the position into his academic life, especially centering on his achievement on ancient history and spiritual history. In this part, we will also take a general look on the characteristics of Buddhism after entering Japan, which could be regarded as one of major influential resources to the becoming of Watsuji Tetsuro’s thoughts.
