Miracles and military merit: the state’s sponsor to Bukong’s 不空 Buddhist enterprise

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Tang state under Emperor Daizong 代宗 was afflicted with acute financial depletion caused by prolonged warfare. In this time of hardship, the court provided institutional support to a series of costly Buddhist projects directed by Bukong 不空 in the name of state protection. This invited intense criticism from traditional historians, not only for the drain on national resources but also for the corruption done to governmental ethics. Why did a time that should have been the worst for massive religious booms turn out to be the best? This question deserves explanation, yet seems to have evaded scholarly efforts. This article shows that the ceremony of chanting the new Renwang jing 仁王經 in 765 ce is the key to answering this question. The unusual events during this ceremony, which was held for divine protection of the Tang against the ongoing Tibetans’ invasion, inspired a prevailing discourse of divine intervention. The widened and enhanced belief must be recognized. Even more important might be the political significance that emerged to address Daizong’s constant concern. The subsequently increased investment can be understood as efforts to reenact the divine intervention and refresh its discourse, so as to reutilize political value.