Even a cursory glance at Saichō’s biography and writings reveals that like most of his contemporaries, Saichō considered the protection of the state to be one of Buddhism’s chief functions. Japanese scholars during the first half of the twentieth century often emphasized the nationalistic side of Saichō’s belief, largely because of the incorrect view that Saichō was the very first person to use the honorific title Dainipponkoku for Japan.
Nara Buddhism had emphasized the protection of the state. The court expected this type of service from Buddhism, and Saichō did not disappoint the court officials. His petitions emphasized that Tendai monks would perform various activities to protect the nation and guard it from calamities, as the following passage from the Kenkairon demonstrates:
Thus I clearly know that contemplation, chanting, turning and reading (the sūtras) will serve as able generals who will protect the nation. I sincerely request that the two Japanese Tendai yearly ordinands (be allowed to) receive the bodhisattva precepts and thus become the treasures of the nation. As for the Esoteric teachings (based on the Tajih Ching), permit us to establish a building in which to perform Esoteric consecrations and practices. There we shall always chant and meditate on the sūtras to guard the state, as well as perform the goma ceremony. For Mahāyāna practices, we shall establish halls for the four types of (Tendai) meditation (shishu sanmai). Allow us to turn the sūtras for the nation, and to lecture on prajn͂āpāramitā. If these proposals are approved, then the One-vehicle precepts of the Buddha will not cease (being transmitted) over the years, and the students of the Perfect (Tendai) School will flourish. One hundred bodhisattva monks will be installed on the mountain.26 Eight worthies who hold the precepts will pray for rain and easily obtain results.
In return for their efforts to protect the nation, Saichō and the Tendai School received financial aid and patronage from the nobility.
Note 26: Saichō proposed that one-hundred monks be installed on Mount Hiei to constantly chant the Jen wang Ching (Sūtra on the Benevolent King) and thereby the nation from calamities. His proposal was based on a similar plan submitted to the Chinese court by Amoghavajra