Dan Snow's History Hit: Episode Summary Episode Title: Mount Hiei: Home of Japan's Warrior Monks
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: History Hit (Dan Snow)

Introduction to Mount Hiei and Its Significance

In this episode, historian Matt Lewis delves into the rich history of Mount Hiei, a sacred mountain located just northeast of Kyoto, Japan. Mount Hiei served as the stronghold for the Tendai sect of Buddhism and was renowned for housing an army of warrior monks. This discussion is part of the sister podcast series, Echoes of History, a collaboration between History Hit and Ubisoft, focusing on the real historical contexts behind the Assassin's Creed games.

The Rise of the Tendai Sect

Dr. Chris Harding, a Senior Lecturer in Asian History from the University of Edinburgh, provides an in-depth analysis of the Tendai sect’s emergence on Mount Hiei. The Tendai sect was founded by Saicho, a Japanese Buddhist monk who brought back the Tiantai teachings from China in the early 9th century. Saicho's vision was to create a comprehensive form of Buddhism that incorporated various teachings, making Tendai a unifying religious force.

Dr. Chris Harding [07:06]: "Saicho basically brought teachings from China, set himself up on Mount Hiei, and persuaded rulers that Tendai included all other Buddhist teachings, positioning it as a unifying sect."

Mount Hiei as a Political and Religious Hub

Mount Hiei wasn't an isolated religious retreat; it was a bustling center of political and religious activity. Dr. Harding explains that the mountain housed thousands of Buddhist buildings, monasteries, and communities that supported the monks. The location was strategically significant as it protected Kyoto, the imperial capital, against perceived evil spirits from the northeast, aligning with Chinese geomantic beliefs.

Dr. Chris Harding [06:11]: "Mount Hiei is important for protecting Kyoto and the emperor, and by the 14th and 15th centuries, it was home to an enormous Buddhist complex."

Relationship Between Tendai and Shinto

The interplay between Tendai Buddhism and the indigenous Shinto beliefs is explored, highlighting both cooperation and tension. While initially, native Shinto practices resisted the influx of Buddhism, over time, the two religions found a symbiotic relationship. The imperial and aristocratic families saw no harm in having both Shinto and Buddhist deities protect them, likening it to "spiritual double glazing."

Dr. Chris Harding [09:36]: "The imperial family and aristocrats viewed having both Shinto and Buddhist protections as doubly safeguarding Kyoto."

Decline During the Sengoku Period and Oda Nobunaga’s Campaign

The Sengoku period, marked by political turmoil and the unification of Japan, saw Mount Hiei’s influence wane, primarily due to the aggressive campaigns led by warlord Oda Nobunaga. Nobunaga perceived the powerful Buddhist sects, including Tendai, as threats to his authority. In September 1571, he ordered a brutal attack on Mount Hiei, sending approximately 30,000 hardened soldiers to destroy the temple complex and eliminate the warrior monks.

Matt Lewis [24:37]: "Mount Hiei becomes a basic whirlwind of fire with thousands of Buddhist buildings looted and burned to the ground."

Dr. Harding recounts the atrocities committed during this assault, emphasizing the indiscriminate killing and the complete devastation of Mount Hiei’s religious and political center.

Dr. Chris Harding [27:00]: "Oda Nobunaga's men murdered people indiscriminately, looted and burned over 3,000 Buddhist buildings, turning Mount Hiei into a barren landscape."

The Aftermath and Legacy of Nobunaga’s Attack

Following the destruction of Mount Hiei, the Tendai sect never regained its former prominence. Subsequent leaders, such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, continued to suppress powerful religious factions to consolidate their control. Buddhism's role shifted from a dominant political force to a tool of the state, with Confucianism eventually becoming the ideological foundation of Tokugawa Japan.

Dr. Chris Harding [31:30]: "Buddhism was tamed and became just one part of the moral and ideological framework, overshadowed by Confucianism."

Reflections on Oda Nobunaga’s Character and Religious Politics

Nobunaga is portrayed as a ruthless leader with little regard for religious institutions unless they served his interests. His campaigns against Buddhist sects like Tendai and later against Christians under Hideyoshi illustrate his strategy of eliminating potential threats to his power.

Matt Lewis [38:10]: "Oda Nobunaga is someone you don't want to be on the wrong side of. He valued power and security over religious convictions."

Dr. Chris Harding’s Personal Insights

Dr. Harding shares his thoughts on witnessing the historical brutality of Nobunaga’s campaigns, expressing a personal fascination with the sheer aura of power wielded by such a figure.

Dr. Chris Harding [40:29]: "I would like to sit next to Oda Nobunaga on the day he vanquished a great enemy, to understand what made him such a formidable leader."

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Mount Hiei

Despite the devastation, Mount Hiei remains a historical and cultural landmark, attracting tourists and spiritual seekers alike. While the Tendai sect's political influence diminished, its spiritual legacy continues through meditation retreats and religious practices. The episode underscores the intricate relationship between religion and politics in Japan’s history, exemplified by the rise and fall of Mount Hiei’s warrior monks.

Matt Lewis [41:55]: "Mount Hiei must have been an incredible place during its peak, bustling with political and religious activity, military presence, and cultural richness."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Chris Harding [07:06]: "Saicho basically brought teachings from China, set himself up on Mount Hiei, and persuaded rulers that Tendai included all other Buddhist teachings, positioning it as a unifying sect."

• Dr. Chris Harding [09:36]: "The imperial family and aristocrats viewed having both Shinto and Buddhist protections as doubly safeguarding Kyoto."

• Matt Lewis [24:37]: "Mount Hiei becomes a basic whirlwind of fire with thousands of Buddhist buildings looted and burned to the ground."

• Dr. Chris Harding [27:00]: "Oda Nobunaga's men murdered people indiscriminately, looted and burned over 3,000 Buddhist buildings, turning Mount Hiei into a barren landscape."

• Dr. Chris Harding [31:30]: "Buddhism was tamed and became just one part of the moral and ideological framework, overshadowed by Confucianism."

• Matt Lewis [38:10]: "Oda Nobunaga is someone you don't want to be on the wrong side of. He valued power and security over religious convictions."

• Dr. Chris Harding [40:29]: "I would like to sit next to Oda Nobunaga on the day he vanquished a great enemy, to understand what made him such a formidable leader."

• Matt Lewis [41:55]: "Mount Hiei must have been an incredible place during its peak, bustling with political and religious activity, military presence, and cultural richness."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of Mount Hiei's pivotal role in Japan's religious and political landscape during the Sengoku period. Through expert insights and vivid recounting of historical events, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how religious institutions like the Tendai sect influenced and were ultimately subdued by the forces of unification led by figures like Oda Nobunaga.

For those interested in exploring more about Mount Hiei and the Sengoku period, Echoes of History continues to provide engaging and informative episodes that bring historical narratives to life through collaborations with creators like Ubisoft.