일본 고대 민중의 ‘惡’의 세계

Examination of Cognition in the Evil World ‘Theft’ for Ancient Japanese

Through the various views on theft revealed both in the official history of Japan and some ancient texts like Nihon Ryoikior Konjaku Monogatarishuu, this paper examined the mindset of the ancient Japanese and their awareness of reality. Theft, one of the typical villainies which had not be contained under the case of amnesty in ancient Japan, was so grave an issue that it caused problems in the capital, even the royal palace of the emperor, and temples; went so far as to be regarded as crime itself. It was generally committed in the struggle for the existence despite of committer’s social status, although the law prohibited it strictly. In this situation, people didn’t oppose or strive to outroot the theft. They tried to be on the moderate side, that is, tightening guard, doubting everyone, and paying special attentions to protect themselves. These things were people s mental attitude for survival as well as cognition of reality in the world of evilness - theft they couldn’t escape from for good.