Question

Evaluate the role of Buddhist Missionaries in printing culture.

Answer 1

1. Introduction to Japan: Around AD 768 - 770, Buddhist missionaries from China introduced the hand-printing technique to Japan.
2. The Diamond Sutra: The Buddhist Diamond Sutra is the oldest Japanese book, printed in AD 868 and containing six sheets of text and woodcut pictures.
3. Mass Production: This technique allowed the widespread distribution of religious texts, making spiritual knowledge more accessible to the general public via visual and written prints.