琉球观音信仰研究

Guanyin Worship in Okinawa

观音信仰作为外来宗教信仰在宋代咸淳年间传入琉球,因无法适应当时的社会条件和文化背景而一度衰落。一个世纪后,观音信仰从日本再次传入琉球,在历代统治阶级的保护和扶植下,得到迅速传播和发展。17世纪以后,观音信仰从琉球的都市逐渐扩展到乡村、甚至离岛,许多观音堂被陆续建造起来。反观妈祖信仰在琉球的局部地区和特定群体中流传及近代的急遽衰落,我们从中可以得到这样的启示:外来宗教信仰要在异国他乡求得生存和发展,关键在于要积极地融入当地民众的生产和生活中,建构深厚的信仰基础。

The belief in Guanyin(Avalokitesvara)was first introduced into Gusuku during the Xianchun period in the Song Dynasty.However,the belief in Guanyin gradually declined as it was unable to adapt itself to the local conditions and cultural background.A century later,it was introduced into Gusuku again from Japan.This time,under the official patronage and protection by local rulers;the belief in Guanyin spread and developed rapidly.After the 17th century,in Gusuku,the belief in Guanyin extended itself from city to country gradually,and even reached offshore islands.Many Guanyin Temples were built one after the other.By comparison,the belief in Mazu only spread within a particular group and region.Subsequently,it declined sharply thereafter.From this,we can conclude that in order for a new religion to survive and spread in a foreign land,it is important for it to be integrated into the life and culture of the local population.