On Myoe's Belief in the Buddhas and Japanese Gods(<Special Issue>Religion : Conflict and Peace)

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  • 明惠における神と仏(<特集>宗教-相克と平和)
  • 明惠における神と仏
  • ミョウエ ニ オケル カミ ト ホトケ

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Abstract

Myoe is a famous Buddhist monk of the Kamakura period in Japan. He is also known for his belief in old and traditional Japanese gods (kami). In this paper we will illuminate some problems in this area, the position of Myoe's belief in gods, and what he thought about the relationship between the buddhas and Japanese gods. In medieval times in Japan, the "Honji-Suijaku" theory of the mixture of buddhas and Japanese gods was already prevalent, and the old Japanese gods were assigned to the various buddhas as their original nature. Kasuga-Myojin, which was enshrined in the Kozanji-temple, gave Myoe several revelations, so it was an especially important god for him. His faith in Kasuga-Myojin, which preceded his faith in Shaka, was probably passed on to Myoe through Jokei. If we compare Myoe with Nichiren, Myoe's belief in gods is more natural and honest, and in his thought we can find that his belief in gods existed in harmony with his belief in buddhas.

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