Japanese Yin and Yang Teachers and Buddhism in China

It was one of the important schools of thought in the Warring States period, and it was named after advocating the theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements and using it to explain social personnel. This school originated from the ruling class in charge of astronomical calendars in ancient times, and its representative was Zou Yan, a Qi man in the Warring States Period. Yin-yang theory holds that Yin-yang is the opposing and transforming force of things themselves, which can be used to explain the law of development and change of things. The five elements theory holds that everything is composed of five elements: wood, fire, earth, gold and water, and there are two laws that can be used to explain the origin and change of everything in the universe. Zou Yan combined the two, interpreted the attributes of the five elements as "five virtues" according to the theory that the five elements are mutually dependent and mutually resistant, and established the theory that "five virtues begin and end", which was the law of the rise and fall of dynasties in the past, and provided a theoretical basis for establishing a new unified dynasty. Twenty-one kinds of works of this school are recorded in Hanshu Yiwenzhi, all of which have been lost. The Book of Rites and the Moon Order, written at the end of the Warring States Period, is said to be a work of Yin and Yang. Some articles in Guanzi also belong to Yin and Yang works, and some Yin and Yang materials are also preserved in Lu Chunqiu Yingtong, Huainan Custom Training and Historical Records of Qin Shihuang.

What kind of person is the teacher of Yin and Yang? Simply put, it can be said that it is a fortune teller or an illusionist. Not only do they know how to look at the stars and face each other, but they can also measure directions, know disasters, draw spells and perform illusions. People also realize that invisible forces, such as fate, soul and ghost, have the ability to dominate these things.

The organization formed by the gathering of Yin and Yang teachers is called "Yin and Yang Road". Japanese "Yin-Yang Daoism" originated from the theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements in China's contention period. In the age of scientific ignorance, in order to avoid disasters, people always hope to know the changes of heaven and earth in advance, and the appearance of "Yin-Yang and Five Elements Theory" makes this wish come true. Its representative classic is the Book of Changes, which has been circulated since the Zhou Dynasty!

In the 6th century A.D., China's theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements was introduced into Japan by mixing Taoist incantations and esoteric occupations. After landing in Japan, it infiltrated some local cultures and formed a unique "Yin-Yang Road". However, it was already the tenth century when this term officially appeared in Japanese historical materials. At this time, Yin-Yang Tao is different from China's early thought of Yin-Yang. It has divination, sacrifice, astronomy, calendar and other applications, and can be used to explain everything from the country to the people. Shoto Kutaishi, who promoted the ancient dynasty, is the best person to use this knowledge. He believes in Buddhism and considers the coordination of Yin and Yang and the five elements when formulating the "Twelve Ranks of Crown" and clothing colors, which has a great influence on Japanese society. Since then, Yin and Yang teachers have become a popular "profession" and entered a period of all-round prosperity.

During the period of Emperor Wudi, who was most enthusiastic about Yin-Yang Daoism, the government agency "Yin-Yang Liao" was formally established. In addition to the highest official "Yin-Yang Head", there are Yin-Yang teachers 1 person, 6 Yin-Yang teachers, Dr. Astronomy 1 person, Dr. Calendar 1 person, and 2 Dr. Missing Engraving.

The so-called division of Yin and Yang is an official position in the imperial court responsible for divination, sacrificial ceremonies and astronomical observation. Simply put, it can be said that it is a fortune teller or an illusionist. They not only know how to look at the stars and learn from each other, but also know how to look at the direction, divination, chanting, causing death and practicing illusion. People are well aware of intangible forces such as fate, soul and ghost, and have the technology to dominate these magical forces.