大唐盛世與鑑真東渡 -- 紀念大唐開基1400華誕=The Heyday of the Tang [618–907] and the Eastbound Journeys of Jianzhen 鑑真（688–763）: 1400th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Great Tang Dynasty
‘Cultural Sphere’ refers to a sphere of influence exerted by a dominant civilization over its neighboring regions. Such sphere knows no confine and transcends boundaries. This article re-examines Jianzhen’s (Jp. Ganjin) 鑑真 (688–763) motive in travelling to Japan, in order to show his dedication to preaching the dharma and to discuss the importance of his journeys for the East Asian cultures. As it is well-known, Jianzhen has journeyed six times to Japan and brought along Buddhist vināyas and advanced culture. But when contemporary Japanese speculate on the motives behind Jianzhen’s journeys, they often do so conditioned by the Japanese historiography, social factors and national interests. As a result, their interpretation may become askew and erroneous. In reality, Jianzhen’s journeys were deeply inspired by the Buddhist worldview which transcends national and ethnic boundary in favour of an integrated harmonious world. It is influenced by this worldview that Jianzhen was able to become unfettered by the Chinese rules and mindset at the time that tended to separate what is Chinese from what is ‘barbarian’, in order to carry out his religious mission in the ‘barbarian’ land. Moreover, Jianzhen’s journeys may also be related to his own international outlook as well as the prosperity of Daoism during the Tang Dynasty. Regarding Jianzhan’s extensive and profound influences in Japan, he not only founded the vināya tradition in Japan, but has also influenced a wide range of fields such as architecture, art, craft, calligraphy and medicine. Jianzhen’s journey reflects the importance that the amicable exchange between China and Japan holds for the peace of the entire East Asia.
