the ideals of Zen and its artistic companion, wabi sabi, found greater influence and support across a broad spectrum of Japanese society.

The perturbed emperor directed the seven shrines and seven temples to pray for seventeen days for peace within the four seas, for the longevity of the imperial throne, and for the tranquillity of the people.

At the base of the Song triumphs was the excellence of governance. The Song Dynasty has been termed “The Age of Confucian Rule.”