The Sixth Century Jiankang Empire: Buddhism as a Political Performative

Chapter Eleven: The Buddhist Repertoire's Second Act: Jiankang as a Theatrical State, Part II, is the concluding segment of my third investigation into various systems of legitimization. This chapter argues that during the sixth century, when the Liang and Chen regimes were established, they built upon developments from the late fifth century and responded to the crisis within traditional Chinese political legitimation by prioritizing the Buddhist repertoire over other options. It scrutinizes the politics surrounding Bodhisattva ordination as well as increasingly public rituals like Boundless Gatherings and relic adoration, which transformed Buddhist legs and ideologies into established political performances.

The narrative of this chapter can be seen as an exploration of what scholars have termed a theatrical state, a model used to understand political entities in non-Chinese parts of Southeast Asia. The amalgamation of Buddhist repertoire with elements from local folklore suggests that it served more effectively than the traditional Chinese repertoire for the political climate of Jiankang during this era.

Key Terms:

• Theatre State

• Liang Emperor Wu

• Bodhisattva Ordination

• Boundless Gatherings

• Relic Worship

• Tooth Relic

• Ethno-Buddhist Regime

• Fourth Daughter Icon

This chapter presents an analysis of the Jiankang Empire's political landscape during the sixth century, highlighting how its rulers relied heavily on Buddhist ideology to mntn their legitimacy. The integration of Buddhist practices into the state's core policies demonstrates a strategic move that responded effectively to internal crises and external challenges by leveraging the popularity and mystique of Buddhism.

Incorporating a mix of elements from local culture with Buddhist rituals created a unique bl that resonated well with Jiankang's socio-political context. This combination not only bolstered state power but also facilitated its propagation through various public performances, further strengthening the regime's hold on power amidst changing historical dynamics and cultural shifts.

The exploration of these themes provides an insightful look into how religious ideologies were utilized as powerful instruments in political maneuvering during this period. Through a nuanced analysis that integrates religious practice with state governance, Chapter Eleven offers critical insights into the complex interplay between religion, politics, and culture within the Jiankang Empire's context.

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This work highlight the transformation of the sixth-century Chinese political landscape under the Liang and Chen dynasties through an emphasis on Buddhist practices as a core component of legitimization strategy. The chapter suggests that this focus on Buddhism was instrumental in navigating internal and external pressures by leveraging the rich symbolism and mystique associated with Buddhist doctrines, thus serving as a robust tool for mntning power amidst evolving cultural and political contexts.

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