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sons.”[1] Mabuchi’s chief aim was to carry out the idea originated by Kada, namely to illustrate the prehistoric age. For this purpose he considered that it was necessary to begin by explaining the Manyôshiu. Poetry was with him only the means to an end. At the only interview which ever took place between Mabuchi and Motoöri, the latter spoke of his own project of writing a commentary on the Kojiki. Mabuchi replied that he also had wished to explain the sacred writings, but in order to do this it was first necessary to get rid of the effects of Chinese philosophy, and discover the genuine beliefs of antiquity. The first step towards their elucidation was to recover the ancient language, which could only be done by studying the Manyôshiu. This preliminary task he had himself accomplished, and he urged Motoöri, who was yet young, to apply himself diligently to the study of the Kojiki.
It appears that some writers have accused Motoöri of inventing these views of Mabuchi, but the writings of the latter are evidence of his having held these opinions. In his Niimanabi (quoted in the Tamadasuki) he says: “The moderns have held the erroneous opinion that the Manyôshiu contains nothing but poetry, which is fit only for women to amuse themselves with, and many shallow fools, who cannot understand the ancient poetry and are ignorant of the ancient books, have made attempts to explain the divine age according to ideas derived from Chinese literature. Thus their utterances are mere sophistry, utterly opposed to the ancient Japanese ‘way.’ ”
Mabuchi then proceeds to lay down the course of study which should be followed in order that the ‘way’ of the gods and ancient emperors may be thoroughly comprehended. The old poetry is to be taken at the commencement, namely the collection entitled the Manyôshiu, and the Norito, as being the earliest specimens of prose, should come next. Next follow the Kojiki, Nihonji (also called Nihonshoki), Shoku Nihongi, and other ancient histories. After this the books which treat of rites and ceremonies,
- ↑ From the preface to a collection of Mabuchi’s prose and poetical works, entitled Agatai Kamo no Kashiu.
