After the defeat, the Japanese did not feel depressed. They try to change themselves by constantly learning from the strengths and innovations of others. There is an old saying in China, "Where you fall, get up from there!"
Therefore, after Japan's defeat, it constantly sent envoys to study in the Tang Dynasty. From the people's working methods to the centralized political system in the Tang Dynasty, it can be said that what the Japanese have learned basically covers everything that can make them progress. Since then, Japan has deepened reforms in many fields such as economy, agriculture and politics.
During this period, due to the imperfection of Japanese Buddhist precepts, two envoys, Rong Rui and Pu Zhao, were sent to learn from the scriptures. They have come to invite monks to lecture on the precepts. After ten years of searching, two monks decided to invite Jian Zhen to Du Dong to teach the precepts.
In the Tang Dynasty, there was an express provision in the law that it was forbidden to go to sea without permission. Jian Zhen's first four plans to go to sea were maliciously reported by others, and ended in failure due to weather and other reasons. But the faith in Jian Zhen's heart didn't give up. He is always ready again and again, waiting for the opportunity to cross the east again.
On his fifth trip to Jian Zhen, not only many accidents happened, but he finally returned to Yangzhou after staying outside for more than a year. At this time, 65-year-old Jian Zhen was blinded by twists and turns. However, he did not give up the belief of continuing to go to Japan to teach commandments.
In 753 AD, Japanese envoys Fujiwara Qinghe, Kibi No Asomi Makibi, Chao Heng and others made a special trip to Yangzhou to visit Jian Zhen, and once again begged Jian Zhen to join them in the eastward movement. At that time, because Xuanzong believed in Taoism, he wanted to send a Taoist priest to Japan, but the Japanese messenger refused, so Jian Zhen was not allowed to go to sea, while Jian Zhen secretly followed the messenger to Japan.
Jian Zhen brought Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Febrile Diseases and Tang Dynasty's medical book Master Jian's Secret Recipe, which played a guiding role in the future development of Japanese medicine.
Besides Buddhism and medicine, the most advanced architectural techniques and exquisite carving techniques in the Tang Dynasty were also brought to Japan from Jian Zhen and widely spread.
In addition, Du Dong, Jian Zhen, donated advanced production technologies from the Tang Dynasty, such as diet, tea, snacks and brewing.
Jian Zhen also took many paintings and calligraphy with him when he traveled eastward. These are the cultural treasures in the history of China. Jian Zhen took away some original calligraphy works of famous people, the most famous of which is Wang Xizhi's running script "Mourning Post", which is now in the Sanzhiwan Museum in the Japanese Palace Hall.
At that time, there were no existing laws and regulations on the protection of cultural relics, and the cultural relics and technologies of the Tang Dynasty that Jian Zhen took away were not for profit. If we put it today, it would be a typical spy, and he would be nailed to the column of shame. However, at that time, the environment and ideas were different, so Jian Zhen's eastward crossing gave different views to future generations.
Everyone has a different opinion. Some people think that Jian Zhen's eastward crossing has promoted Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges and made great contributions. At the same time, some people think that Jian Zhen's eastward crossing is the loss of China's historical relics and advanced technology in the Tang Dynasty. What do you think of Jian Zhen Du Dong?