権力のむなしさ、はかなさが無常観となって強調された『平家物語』と聖書の箴言１１章２８節 The emptiness and transience of power are emphasized in both "The Tale of the Heike," where it takes the form of impermanence, and in Proverbs 11:28 of the Bible.

2023/11/28 18:20

何故権力は儚いのか？👇

なぜ権力は儚いのか？「平家物語」の諸行無常と聖書の箴言 #権力 #儚い #平家物語 #諸行無常 #聖書 #箴言

平家物語における「はかなさ」

永続的な権威に対して、権力については、日本ではしばしば、そのはかなさが強調されてきました。その典型が「平家物語」でしょう。

In the context of "The Tale of the Heike," the notion of "transience" or "ephemerality" is highlighted in relation to enduring authority. In Japan, there has often been an emphasis on the fleeting nature of power, and this theme finds a notable expression in "The Tale of the Heike."

「祇園精舎の鐘の声、諸行無常の響あり。娑羅双樹（さらそうじゅ）の花の色、盛者必衰（じょうしゃひっすい）の理（ことわり）をあらはす。おごれる人も久しからず、ただ春の夜の夢のごとし。たけき者も遂にはほろびぬ、ひとへに風の前の塵に同じ」

This passage is a famous Buddhist verse that reflects the concept of impermanence. Here's a nuanced translation:

"The resonating sound of the bell at Gion Shijo Temple echoes the truth of the ever-changing nature of all phenomena. The colors of the flowers on the Sala trees vividly illustrate the principle of the rise and fall of all things. Those who are filled with pride and arrogance will not endure for long; their existence is as ephemeral as a dream on a spring night. Even the mighty will eventually meet their downfall, just like the dust swept away by the wind without distinction."

まさに仏教的な無常観を表す文章です。

Indeed, the passage eloquently expresses the Buddhist concept of impermanence (無常観). The fleeting nature of existence, the inevitability of change, and the transient beauty of life are all encapsulated in these words. It reflects the core teachings of Buddhism, emphasizing the impermanence of all things and the transient nature of worldly phenomena.

権力は「はかない」もの

天皇制という継続する権威をかかえながら、権力を一時のはかないものと見る日本的な考え方は、極力の集中を好まず、分権的なシステムを長く維持することになりました。

藤原道長の時代や織田信長・豊臣秀吉の時代には、確かに権力の集中が試みられ、ある程度は成功したかもしれません。しかしながら、この時期にも天皇制は崩れておらず、権力者たちは権威としての天皇と共存せざるをえませんでした。

"While bearing the enduring authority of the imperial system, the Japanese perspective perceives power as fleeting, avoiding excessive concentration and favoring the maintenance of a decentralized system for an extended period.

During the era of Fujiwara Michinaga and the times of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, attempts to centralize power were certainly made and may have met with some degree of success. However, even during this period, the imperial system remained intact, compelling those in power to coexist with the Emperor as a figure of authority."

太政大臣、摂政・関白、征夷大将軍という最高権力者を任命するのは天皇です。日本の権力者たちは、ヨーロッパのように権威と権力をあわせ持つことはできなかったのです。

The appointment of the highest authorities such as the Grand Minister, Regent, Chancellor, and Shogun is the prerogative of the Emperor. Unlike in Europe, Japanese rulers could not amalgamate authority and power in the same manner.

藤原道長のような強大な権力を握った貴族でさえ、娘たちを天皇に嫁がせ外戚として権威を手に入れざるを得ませんでした。戦乱の時代に天下を統一した武将たちも、必ず京に上って天皇から征夷大将軍というお墨付きをもらうことに腐心しました。

Even powerful aristocrats like Fujiwara Michinaga found themselves obliged to marry their daughters to the Emperor, gaining authority as imperial relatives. Even military commanders who unified the country during times of war were diligent in seeking the Emperor's endorsement by ascending to Kyoto and receiving the formal appointment as Shogun.

こんな状況では、権力者が世襲によって権力を長く維持することは、容易ではありません。天皇という継続的な権威が存在する以上、中国やヨーロッパのように権力者が権威も兼ね備えた王朝をつくることは、ほとんど不可能だったのです。

In such a context, it is not easy for rulers to maintain power through hereditary succession for an extended period. As long as there was the continuous authority of the Emperor, creating a dynasty where rulers encompass both power and authority, as seen in China or Europe, was nearly impossible.

権力の分散傾向

従って、日本の長い歴史のなかでは権力の分散傾向が顕著になっていきます。平安時代の藤原氏といえども天皇から独立して権力を行使できたわけではなく、しかも南家・北家・式家・京家に分散しました。

Therefore, throughout Japan's long history, a noticeable trend toward the dispersion of power emerged. Even the Fujiwara clan during the Heian period, while influential, did not exercise power independently of the Emperor; moreover, power became dispersed among the Nanka (Southern Branch), Hokka (Northern Branch), Shikke (Ceremonial Branch), and Kyōke (Capital Branch).

藤原道長

平安中期以後に栄えたのは北家だけで、平安後期には上皇による親政が始まり、武士の台頭もあって藤原氏の権勢は失われていきます。

親政（しんせい）とは、君主（天皇・皇帝・国王など）自身が「親（みずか）ら政治を行うこと」、またはその政治形態（君主制の一形式）のことである。

藤原氏は巨大な権力を失ったあとも、一条家・二条家・九条家・近衛家・鷹司（たかつかさ）家の五家に分かれて摂政・関白などの役職につきます。しかしながら、１８６８年１月３日の王政復古で、摂政・関白・征夷大将軍の職が廃止されました。

After the mid-Heian period, only the Hokke (Northern Branch) flourished, and in the late Heian period, the practice of direct rule by the retired emperor (Jōkō) began. With the rise of the samurai and the onset of direct imperial rule, the Fujiwara clan's influence gradually waned.

"Jōkō" refers to the direct involvement of the monarch (Emperor or King) in governing or the form of governance where the monarch personally engages in politics.

Even after the Fujiwara clan lost its immense power, it split into five branches: Ichijō, Nijō, Kujo, Konoe, and Takatsukasa. However, with the Imperial Restoration of 1868, the positions of Sesshō (Regent), Kampaku (Chief Advisor), and Seii Taishōgun (Barbarian-subduing Generalissimo) were abolished.

王政復古は、共和制や武家支配などによって支配の座を追われていた君主制が再び旧体制を復活させること

The Imperial Restoration involved the reinstatement of the traditional system, reestablishing the monarchy that had been displaced by forms of governance such as republics or military rule.

その後、摂政だけは復活され、大日本帝国憲法にも日本国憲法にも規定があります。大正天皇崩御のとき、皇太子裕仁親王(のちの昭和天皇)が自らの践祚（せんそ）(皇位を受け継ぐこと)まで摂政を務めたことがあります。

Subsequently, only the position of Sesshō (Regent) was reinstated, as stipulated in both the Meiji Constitution of the Empire of Japan and the current Constitution of Japan. During the passing of Emperor Taishō, Crown Prince Hirohito (later Emperor Shōwa) served as Regent until his enthronement (the succession to the throne).

摂政は、君主制国家において、君主が幼少、女性、病弱である等の理由で政務を執り行うことが不可能、あるいは君主が空位であるなどの場合に君主に代わって政務を摂ること、またはその役職のこと。

In a monarchy, a Regent is someone who temporarily assumes the monarch's duties when the monarch is underage, female, infirm, or in cases where the throne is vacant, or the monarch is unable to perform their duties.

現在でも、天皇が成人に達しないときや重患・重大な事故などがあった場合は、摂政を置くことができます。ヨーロッパや中国では、王朝が変わると前王朝の関係者は根絶されてしまうのが普通ですが、日本では権力を失っても別の形で存続するのが一般的です。

Even today, if the Emperor does not reach adulthood or in cases of serious illness or significant accidents, a Regent can be appointed. In contrast to Europe and China, where the overthrow of a dynasty often led to the eradication of the previous dynasty's affiliates, in Japan, it is common for power to persist in a different form even after its loss.

聖書の「箴言」（１１章２８節）「権力や富のはかなさ」

Proverbs 11:28 of the Bible "The transience of power and wealth".

聖書の「箴言」の中で、権力や富のはかなさについて言及されている箇所がいくつかあります。以下はその一例です。

箴言 11:28（新共同訳）:
「富に依存する者は倒れる。神に従う人は木の葉のように茂る。」

この箇所は、富や権力が最終的な救済ではなく、義の道に生きることが真の価値であることを教えています。このような箴言は、物質的なものがはかないものであることや、真の幸福は他者との関係や道徳的な価値に基づくことを示唆しています。

Proverbs 11:28 (New Common Translation):
"Those who trust in their wealth will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf."

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of material wealth and power, asserting that true prosperity lies not in one's possessions but in living a righteous life. Such proverbs suggest the transient nature of material wealth and underscore that genuine happiness is rooted in relationships with others and adherence to moral values.

無常観の鏡

「無常観」とは、仏教の概念であり、万物は常に変化し、永遠のものはないという考え方です。政治の舞台も例外ではありません。歴史は権力者が舞台から去り、新たな者が登場する様を繰り返してきました。
人々は権力者に崇拝の念を抱きますが、時が経つにつれてその輝きも色褪せ、新たな指導者が台頭します。これはまさに無常の現れであり、権力のはかなさを我々に教えてくれるのです。

The Mirror of Impermanence

The concept of "impermanence" in Buddhism posits that all things are constantly changing, with nothing enduring eternally. This perspective extends to the political stage as well. Throughout history, we witness a cyclical pattern where those in power depart, making way for new figures to take the spotlight.

While people may initially hold a sense of reverence for those in positions of authority, the passage of time inevitably dims their radiance, paving the way for the ascent of new leaders. This is indeed a manifestation of impermanence, serving as a poignant reminder of the transience of power. It teaches us about the ephemeral nature of authority, urging us to contemplate the fleeting nature of such influence in our lives.

権力の誘惑と聖書の戒め

聖書もまた、権力に対するはかない性質について教えています。「権力は軽薄であり、時として欺瞞に満ちている」という言葉が下記の通り聖書には見られます。また、権力を握る者はその責任を果たすべく謙虚であるべきだとも説かれています。しかし、歴史を見れば分かる通り、人間は時折この教えを忘れ、権力の誘惑に屈することがあります。

The Temptation of Power and Biblical Admonitions

The Bible also imparts teachings about the ephemeral nature of power. The scriptures contain passages such as the one below, underscoring that "power is fickle and sometimes filled with deception." Additionally, those in positions of power are advised to approach their responsibilities with humility. However, as history reveals, humanity occasionally forgets these teachings, succumbing to the allure of power.

「箴言」 21章:３０節 (新改訳):

「知恵と慎み、また力と勝利、それとも、計略と勝利は、すべて主による。」

この聖句は、知恵や計略だけでなく、権力や勝利もすべてが神によるものであると教えています。この文脈で、権力や計略が軽薄であるとみなされる可能性があります。

Proverbs 21:30 (New Revised Version):

"Wisdom, understanding, and strength belong to the wise, who have knowledge, but so do victory and power. All of them are in God's control."

This verse communicates that not only wisdom and knowledge but also power and victory are ultimately under the control of God. In this context, there's a suggestion that power and strategies may be considered capricious. It serves as a reminder that all aspects of influence, including power and victory, are subject to divine providence, emphasizing the importance of humility in wielding such authority.

最後に。。

権力の舞台裏に潜む無常観は、我々に謙虚さをもたらします。聖書の教えもそれを補完し、権力を持つ者に対して慎重であるように警告しています。

In conclusion, the impermanence lurking behind the scenes of power bestows upon us a sense of humility. The teachings of the Bible complement this understanding, cautioning us to be vigilant and circumspect in our dealings with those who wield power. Together, they serve as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of authority, urging individuals to approach power with both awareness and humility.

私たちは歴史の中で繰り返される権力の移り変わりを通して、無常の教えを学び、より良い未来を築くための智恵を得ることができるでしょう。

Absolutely, through the recurring shifts of power throughout history, we have the opportunity to learn the lesson of impermanence and gain the wisdom needed to build a better future. By understanding the transient nature of authority and the challenges associated with wielding power, we can strive for a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world. History serves as a valuable teacher, offering insights that can guide us towards creating positive and enduring change in the ongoing narrative of human civilization.