Prince Shotoku Quotes

Persona Overview

Prince Shōtoku, posthumously known as 聖徳太子（しょうとくたいし） and born 厩戸皇子（うまやどのみこ）, was a Japanese regent and statesman of the Asuka period (c. 574 – 622 CE). He served as regent to his aunt, Empress Suiko, and is traditionally credited with helping shape the early Japanese state through political reform, diplomatic engagement with China, and the promotion of Buddhism. 

Core Values

• Centralised governance: He worked to strengthen imperial authority and a structured official system. 

• Ethical statecraft: Advocated morality and bureaucratic order through constitutional principles. 

• Buddhist patronage: Promoted the spread of Buddhism as a civilising philosophy and cultural force in Japan. 

• Cultural exchange: Advanced diplomatic ties with the Sui dynasty of China to bring ideas and institutions into Japan. 

Style of His Words

Direct writings by Prince Shōtoku are not extensively preserved as authored texts in his own hand; however, traditional commentaries such as the Annotated Commentaries on the Three Sutras (Sangyō Gisho) are attributed to him and reflect his engagement with Buddhist doctrine and ethical guidance. 

Representative Episode

In 603 CE, Prince Shōtoku instituted the 冠位十二階（かんいじゅうにかい） Twelve Level Cap and Rank System, aimed at evaluating court officials by merit rather than birth, and in 604 CE promulgated the 十七条憲法（じゅうしちじょうけんぽう）, a set of moral and administrative precepts that influenced early Japanese governance. 

Background of a Famous Quote

The best-known maxim attributed to him in later texts is:

“The world is vain and illusory, and the Buddha’s realm alone is true.”

This reflects a Buddhist philosophical view in which worldly attachment is transient compared to spiritual truth, capturing his role in integrating Buddhist thought into Japanese state and culture. 

Anecdote

Prince Shōtoku is traditionally associated with the founding of some of Japan’s earliest major Buddhist temple complexes—most notably Hōryū-ji, one of the oldest wooden structures in the world, and Shitennō-ji in what is today Osaka—symbolising his lasting cultural and religious influence. 

Mini Timeline

574: Born as 厩戸皇子 (Prince Umayado) as the second son of Emperor Yōmei. 

593: Appointed regent (摂政 / Sesshō) to Empress Suiko, initiating reforms. 

603: Introduced the Twelve Level Cap and Rank System. 

604: Promulgated the Seventeen Article Constitution. 

607: Sent envoys to China’s Sui dynasty and promoted Buddhist infrastructure like Hōryū-ji. 

622: Died at Ikaruga (modern Nara/Osaka region).