A Hypothesis regarding the Sources of Kusōzu (Images of the Nine Stages of Decay): The Kusōzu at the Enmaōdō at Daigoji and the “Mujō kōshiki”

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  • 九相図遡源試論 : 醍醐寺焰魔王堂九相図と無常講式
  • キュウソウズ ソゲン シロン : ダイゴジ エン マオウドウ キュウソウズ ト ムジョウコウシキ

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Abstract

Images of the Nine Stages of the Decay of the Flesh (Kusōzu) were painted In the Hall of King Yama (Enmaōdō) at Daigoji temple, which was built at the behest of Sen’yōmon-in after the Jōkyū no ran uprising. This is probably the first example of a religious space in Japan where the officials of the underworld are depicted in conjunction with the kusō imagery, but what rituals and words formed the basis for this imagery? In this paper, I have focused on Jōkei’s “Mujô no kotoba” (Words on Impermanence) and Go-Toba’s “Mujō kōshiki” (Ritual Lecture on Impermanence) and make clear that these are indispensable ritual texts for understanding this religious space. Moreover, I argue that the significance of the building of the Enmaōdō is tied to Sen’yōmon-in’s active engagement in the practical implementation of her faith.

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