September 25, 2010
Dai-Honzon Uniqueness
On Nichiren's Gohonzon for Practicing Kanjin
The Mandala itself has some unique characteristics. To summarize:
1. The position of Nichiren's signature and seal. Rather than being centered below, as seen on many Nichiren Dai Mandaras, these flank the Daimoku. The Seal is on 'your' left, and the signature is on the right {facing}.
2. On the majority of the Great Mandalas inscribed by Nichiren, there are two side entries on the bottom. The entry on the lower right side {facing} is usually a general dedication of sorts. This appears to be the same on most of them, and states that this "Dai Mandara" had never before appeared in "Ichienbudai". There is a similar entry on the Dai-[Go]-Honzon of 1274. However, it is longer, starts on the lower left side {facing}, and there are some unique words that, to my knowledge, do not appear on any other known Nichiren Mandala.
Note that Nichiren wrote Dai-Honzon; meaning "Great Worshipful Object", rather than Dai Mandara; meaning "Great Mandala." This is why it is known as the "Dai-Honzon." Also, "the Three Countries", "Our Compassionate Father", "Hotoke wisdom"; as well the phrase "Bodhisattva Jogyo comes forth [or has come forth] -- [makes His appearance in the world]" are unique.
3. There are four figures in the top row, rather than three. This is also seen on some of the other pre-1278 Mandalas, as well as some possible transcriptions of the now lost Great Mandala of July 1273. The extra pair represent the Emanation Buddhas and Virtue Buddhas of the Ten Directions.
Also, while the entries in the top row are typical of pre-1278 mandalas, the rest of the entries are unusual.
Nissho's Daimandara of 1280 is a standard post-1280 Great Mandala:
Note the positions of the Provisional Bodhisattvas on Nissho's Daimandara of 1280. Namu Yakuo Bosatsu and Namu Monjushiri Bosatsu are on the left side facing, flanked by Namu Fugen Bosatsu and Namu Bosatsu on the right. This is the same as on the Shutei Honzon, the Prayer Gohonzon, and dozens of others. Also the Nittatsu & Nikken transcriptions {the Provisional Bodhisattvas are omitted from the SGI Nichikan}.
Compare to the Dai-honzon:
On the Dai-Honzon of 1274, Yakuo, Miroku, Fugen, & Monju appear on the left {facing}, with Monju on the interior.
Also, look at Kasho and Sharihotsu. On Nissho's Daimandara of 1280, they are on opposite sides just outside the Provisional Bodhisattvas. On the DH, their names are preceded by Namu, and both are the left {facing}.
To be cont'd
Posted by rbeck at September 25, 2010 06:00 PM