Criticism and Appropriation: Nichiren's Attitude toward Esoteric Buddhism
This paper explores the complex relationship between Nichiren and esoteric Buddhism (mikkyō). It first reconsiders the received view of Nichiren as an intransigent and systematic critic of all forms of esotericism, and suggests that his criticism should be understood as a strategy of legitimation. I...
| Published in: | Japanese journal of religious studies |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Nanzan Institute
[1999]
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| In: |
Japanese journal of religious studies
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| Further subjects: | B
Mantras
B Sacred Texts B Vajrayana B Esotericism B Deities B Religious Studies B Religious rituals B Bodhisattva B Mandalas |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | This paper explores the complex relationship between Nichiren and esoteric Buddhism (mikkyō). It first reconsiders the received view of Nichiren as an intransigent and systematic critic of all forms of esotericism, and suggests that his criticism should be understood as a strategy of legitimation. It then attempts to reevaluate Nichiren's interactions with the Buddhism of his time, focusing on the influence that notions developed in Tendai esotericism (Taimitsu) and rituals in vogue in the early medieval period exercised on Nichiren. In particular, it considers Nichiren's construction of a mandala as the object of worship (honzon) of his Lotus Buddhism. Nichiren used his knowledge of esotericism to reinforce the exclusive faith in the Lotus Sūtra that he advocated. His tendency to amalgamate ideas originating from different traditions places him in a line of continuity with the forms of Buddhism that preceded him. In this respect, the analysis of Nichiren's relation to esoteric Buddhism also becomes significant as a case study for a reexamination of the tenets of early medieval Buddhism (Kamakura Buddhism). |
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| Contains: | Enthalten in: Japanese journal of religious studies
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