Definition of Terms INTRODUCTION

D. Definition of Terms

Heian Heian era according to Damien Keown in A Dictionary of Buddhism is a period of Japanese history that takes its name from its time when the capital was located in the city of Heian-kyo Kyoto from 794 until 1185. Ivan Moris, in his book The World of the Shining Prince said that “In 794 the year of the second move, an imperial edict announced that the new capital would be called Heian Kyō, the city of peace and tranquility” Morris, 1964: 2. This Japanese period is known for its culture especially for its literature. Ivan Morris stated, “During their time the remote city of Heian Kyō was the most flourishing cultural centre in the world next to the Chinese capital” Morris, 1964: 4. In this period, to have high intelligence is when a person is able to make at least a mere imitation of Chinese li terature such as its poetry and prose. Morris also said that “No man could count himself cultured unless he had what corresponded to a „classical education‟ that is to say, was familiar with Chinese literature and able to produce passable imitations of Chi nese poetry and prose” Morris, 1964: 10. Heian era is an era where the people especially its aristocrat were in great affection of Chinese culture. It happens because of the Emperor admiration of Chinese culture especially its literature, so that he manages all people in the court to be affected to it. In this era of Japan, its history related to the marriage issue is mostly described through the history of Fujiwara Family clan , who have a strong influence on the Court through marriages. It is not easy to account fully for the success of this family. It is true that they held a position of great advantage in that their daughters regularly married into the imperial family, and as a rule a Regent was uncle or father-in-law or grandfather to the occupant of the throne, or father of the sovereigns second consort or favourite. Yet they or many of them appear not to have been moved solely by vain personal ambition, but to have truly wished to guide the monarchy in the interest of the state. Sansom, 1979: 142 It is described by Sansom, in his historical study of Japan that the Fujiwara family has the strongest influence on the Court. Their successful penetration into the court is due to their cleverness in making links with the imperial family by marriages. The Fujiwara family try to reach the highest position, so that they can get more advantages and maintain their political influence in the court. Eventhough they try to manage an absolute influence, it is described that the clan do not want to take over the throne or conquer it. Their only intention is to help and give a fullest guidance to the monarchy to have a powerful control of the land, and to reach their goal, they have to get the nearest position to the throne. The fastest way to get the link to the highest position is through marriage. 11

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE