Robin Beck

Mandala #40

This Original Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon is dated:

建治2年8月14日 or August 14 1276.

The conferral notation is:

亀姫護也

Here is look at eacg of those 4 kanj:

亀 = kame -- tortoise, turtle.
http://www.mahou.org/Kanji/3535/

nihongo

姫 = hime -- princess
http://www.mahou.org/Kanji/4931/

nihongo

護 = go / mori -- safeguard, protect
http://www.mahou.org/Kanji/386E/

Nihongo

也 + ya -- to be (classical)
http://www.mahou.org/Kanji/4C69/

nihongo

Mandala #039

This Original Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon is dated 建治2年8 月 13日 -- August 13 1276, the same as mandala #038. The conferral is also similar:

亀弥護也

The last two kanji 護也 could mean -- to protect; for protection of.

One source gives the present location as 大阪 [Osaka] 某個人[Private Possession?]

Another has: 永　岡　家　　

The Sanbo Yoraku 'Taking Refuge' Honzon (# 038)

This is known as the 三光瓔珞本尊 [Sanbo Yoraku Honzon].

Sanbo 三光 = Three Treasures, Triple Jewel.

Yoraku 瓔珞 = Taking Refuge.; literally 'jeweled necklace"

The conferral reads: 亀若護也.

The 護也 might mean "to protect" with the former possibly indicating a name.

The name could translate literally as 'Young Tortoise." 若 could. perhaps, indicate it was for a child, or the younger.

I can only guess at these 4 kanji; using the SWAG system, with limited "S."

The conferral data and dates on #39 & 40 are similar; so this might provide some clues as to who was this young turtle.

The date is given as: 建治2年8 月13日.

That is the second year of kenji, the 8th moon and the 13th sun.

The first year of Kenji was 1275; so we have August 13 1276 as the solar date.

It is housed at Myomanji Temple in Kyoto; which, IIRC, is the Head Temple of the school known as Kenpon Hokke.

Mandala # 031

This original Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon is housed at 本興寺 Honkoji of 尼崎 Amagasaki in 兵庫県 Hyogo Prefecture.

Conferral [授] is to 釈 日与 I am not sure how to read that, or who that is. Is 与{yo/yu} is part of the name? Shakya Nichiyo?

The date is February of 1276.

This is a typical example of earlier Nichiren's Great Mandalas.

The top row has 4 Buddhas and the 4 attendant Bodhisattvas flanking the Daimoku. The extra Buddhas are Jippo Bunshin on the right of Shakyamuni, and Zentoku Nyorai to the left of Taho Nyorai. They represent the Buddhas of the Ten Directions as well as all Emanation Buddhas.

In the 法華三昧懺法 [Hokke Sanmai Zenpo], the Great Teacher T'ien T'ai decribes a mediation on the Bodhi Mandala. This includes invocations such as:

"Namu Shakamuni Butsu"

"Namu Kako Taho Seson"

"Namu Shakamuni Jippo Funjin Sho Butsu"

"Nam' Myoho Renge Kyo Chu Issai Sho Butsu"

"Namu Jippo Issai Joju Butsu"

and so on

Also:

With all one’s heart, one reverently worships the Original Teacher, the Buddha Sakyamuni.

With all one’s heart, one reverently worships the Buddha of the Past, Abundant Treasures.

With all one’s heart, one reverently worships the Emanations of the Buddhas in the Ten Directions:

Mandala # 50 [Bamboo Hut Honzon??].

This Original Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon is housed at Kyoto [京都] Chomyoji [頂妙寺]. It is dated July 5th 1278.

It has two nicknames. I lack the experience and knowledge to translate these, but here is a shot:

若宮 [Wakamiya?] 本尊 Honzon

竹内[bamboo hut?] 本尊 Honzon

The conferral [授与; Juyo] is to 沙門 Shamon 日 Nichi 門 Mon.

Shamon is likely a transliteration of the Indic Shramana, which means something like a wandering monk.

I am not sure how to read the name -- Nichijo, Nitto, Nikado, Nichimo, Nimon, Nichimon, are all possible. The name literally means "Sun Gate." see

Tenmoku's Mandalas #011 and #120

1257: The disciple, Tenmoku [天目], is born.

1274; June: [Nichiren] Inscribes Mandala Gohonzon for disciple Tenmoku.

1285: Tenmoku Shonin establishes Myokoku-ji Temple in Musashi Province"

Timeline of Nichiren Daishonin's Life

A search for information about the Wandering Monk Tenmoku was disappointing. Several sources list him as having received the Mandala Gohonzon #011.

Other than that; Chris Holte mentions the Ko Moku Mondo Ki {Dialogue between Niko and Tenmoku} as Niko's record of a debate that took place in 1299. { See Also Holte}. I have no idea if this would be the same Tenmoku or not.

Also, Reverend Shoryu mentions that a Tenmoku is credited with founding two {2} Nichiren Shu Temples; Shimoya Sano Myokenji, and Shinagawa Honkoji. -- Nichiren Buddhist Schools and Disciple Lineages

• [Mandala] Number {番号}: 011
• Era & Year {年}: Bun'ei Era {文永} Eleventh {11} Year {11年} [1274]
• Month; Moon {月}: 6 [June ]
• Day {日}: Not Given
• Nichiren's Laudatory Inscription {讃文}: None
• Conferral; Recipient {授与書}: Shamon; wandering monk {沙門} Tenmoku {天目} Juyo; Award, Conferral {授与} this {之}
• Kept at; Housed at; Possession {所蔵}: Kyoto {京都} Metro Area{府} Myomanji {妙満寺}
• Nickname/Popular Name: {通称}:
• Sheets {紙数}: Silk {絹本}
• Height {丈}; 165.1 cm / inches
• Width {幅}: 77.3 cm / inches
• Area {面積}: 12762.23

My Comments: This silk Gohonzon issued to Tenmoku is the oldest extant Full Ten World Great Mandala, also known as the Formal Style. As seen on great Mandalas prior to 1278, there are 4 entries on each side in the top row. The extra entries are Jippo Bunshin on the right of Shakyamuni, and Zentoku Nyorai to the left of Taho Nyorai.

Jogyoji Portrait

Statues, Drawings, & Paintings of Nichiren

楡原・上行寺蔵 Kept at Nirebara Jogyoji Temple

The Jogyo-ji photo is rather similar to the Mizukagami Portrait; with the extended sutra scroll held in both hands. The table in front of him, with the rolled up scrolls, is smaller. There is a brightly colored cloth on the table. Here is the Mizukagami Portrait, the original of which is kept at Nakayama:

Edit: Here is black and white version of the same Jogyoji portrait.

Posted by rbeck at February 13, 2006 10:24 PM
Posted in Robin Beck on June 20, 2006 10:24 PM

Nichiji's Gohonzon?

More on the Treasure of Senka

Link: "This site showed a pagoda which was one of the structure of Li-Hua Temple (where Nichiji established/stayed), and it was built in Yuan dynasty (around 1300) and was remodeled in Qing dynasty. The pagoda was the only facility left from the temple site of Nichiji’s. The article also said Nichiji was buried by the pagoda. Between 1984 and 1995 there were 130 groups about 2,400 Nichiren Shu members visited Li Hua Temple." -- Posted by Julie at December 21, 2007 09:23 PM

I came across a couple sources of information, in Japanese of course. I now have a picture of Nichiji's mandala from Senka. Also, Nichiji's portrait of Nichiren.

Link

I also have a picture of a Mandala below. It is not in the Gohonzonshu that I can see. "東京保管庫蔵" indicates it is kept at Tokyo Kozoji. It looked like it might have been a restoration of Nichiji's Mandala that was found in China, It now appears certain that is not the case. The clean image below does appear to have been issued to Nichiji, I do not know if it is it directly related to the Treasure of Senka.

There is also some information in Japanese, below. There are also some videos about the Treasure of Senka. The Treasure of Senka is thought to be artifacts from Nichiji's mission to China. See Also: A Byrd's Eye View Nichiji - A True Stand-Alone Pioneer

★日持蓮華阿闍利(1250-1295-1300):日蓮より御本尊を建治2年(1276)に受け､弘安5年(1282)に身延本応寺［窪之坊］を開いた。永仁3年(1295)に「一天四海皆帰妙法の旅［東部環球巡錫］」に出発し､東北･蝦夷地を布教して､ｱｲﾇの交易船で沿海州に渡り､中国北京の西の宣化で高僧として布教したという。東に伝播して来た思想の返し波効果で､元帝国への単身での壮烈な伝導である。宣化古文書が数点発見されていてその真偽が問われているが､「異郷で病に臥し､日蓮と父母の面影を慕いて涙を流す」「飛び去る雁を眺めて､望郷の念にかられる」という詩は人間日持の心であろう。「本化別頭仏祖統記」を著した日潮の時代に､窪之坊と当家が深い関係にあったことは多くの古文書から明らかである。東部環球は地球が球形であることをｺﾍﾟﾙﾆｯｸｽ(1473-1543)以前にすでに常識になっていたことが判る。

　日蓮が日持聖人に授けた御本尊(1276)と渡航経路

Link

Blushing in Flushing?

Flushing: SGI Co-sponsors a Religious Tolerance Conference; Meanwhile Members Pray to Close a Rival Buddhist Temple.

This one belongs in the Toilet

Happiness Campaign Towards Janury 2, 2008

Scroll Down a Bit

350th Anniversary of the Flushing Remonstrance:

Flushing Remonstrance Recognition

Styles of Nichiren Mandala Transcriptions and Signatures

In this entry, I look at the various ways Nichiren's disciples have reproduced his Mandala Gohonzon over the years. The focus is on how the copies are signed. I include a few samples. These are for study only, they are not of adequate resolution fir printing anyway. Please feel free to down load them for the purpose of study. I do not know how long I will leave them hot linked. I have included the data I have on them, not all of it is translated. I have come to few tentative conclusions on some general styles of signing the copies. At least two of these appear to be a protocol; one definitely is. The others might be random, used at the transcriber's own discretion. I hope this is a useful entry for others who are interested in studying this topic, as well as those interested in general information.

The method of reproducing the Calligraphy Mandala Honzon designed by Nichiren has been varied and sometimes controversial since shortly after the Shonin passed on. Over the centuries, many styles evolved. I have looked at a number of pictures and come to a few still very tentative conclusions. We know more about Nikko Monryu, especially the Taisekiji branch, than the others. This is because the Soka Gakkai was affiliated with Taisekiji. Since Soka Gakkai has spurred much interest in Nichiren Buddhism in the West, much has more has been written. Moreover, Taisekiji is very particular about the method of transcription. Many assume that the Taisekiji way is the best way; for no other reason than that is what we were taught.

As of now, here are the main styles I have seen regarding the signature:

1. Wood block print: A wood block was made by carefully tracing a Nichiren original. The prints will have Nichiren's name & kao seal somewhere at the bottom, exactly as Nichiren signed the original work. Some have adduced or divined that the location of Nichiren's name & kao seal, relative to the Daimoku, on the originals and duplicates, has some mystical significance. I just do not 'see it,' I think he simply signed & sealed his work, just as an artist might sign a painting. One other thing, the wood block print may or not have an engraver's or copier's name and/or kao somewhere at the bottom, sort of as a co-signature. The method of making the wood block DID NOT damage or destroy the original. However, Nikko Shonin evidently did not approve of duplicating Nichiren originals this way, perhaps because he felt it devalued the original.

2. Nichiren Zaigohan or Gohan: This was used by Nikko and his immediate successors at Kitayama, Taisekiji, & Taisekiji. Nikko's signature reads, from the bottom up, "Nikko, on behalf of Nichiren." The Kanji for "On behalf of" can also be translated as "by decree of" or "By authority of. Nikko's koa seal is there too. On some, Nikko wrote "copy this." Those were used to make wood blocks.

Nichiren's name in written in Kanji below the Daimoku. Some added the two characters for Shonin that mean 'sage' or 'saint.' This is followed by "Zai Go Han." Below that is the name and kao seal of the Minister who wrote the calligraphy. Basically, the Minister appears to have signed for Nichiren; or in Nichiren's stead. Taisekiji follows this method to this day.

The format does go back to Nikko. However, beginning with Nichikan Shonin, Taisekiji has taken the location of Nichiren's name, exactly centered below the Daimoku, as meaning the central inscription is read, "Nam' Myoho Renge Kyo Nichiren" indicating that Nichiren is the Buddha whose life is one with the law. One other thing, we do not see Nichiren's Kao on these at all.

3. The Minister's name & kao is at the bottom, Nichiren's name is not there. I have pictures of Mandalas by Nichiro Shonin and Nichizo Shonin like this, the originals are kept at Kyoto Ryuhonji. Also, mandalas from unidentified Nichiren Shu temples. Moreover, I think Honmon Butsuryushu {HBS} does it this way, at least on some examples I have seen. From what I can gather, outside of the Nikko Monryu, this seems to be the most common way it was done, and some in the Nikko Monryu do it this way as well. Basically, the Minister simply put his name & seal on his work, just like Nichiren did. There is no significance I see in the location of the signature on the mandala, Somewhere at the bottom, centered or shaded to the left, is common. We do not see Nichiren's kao or name on these at all.

4. The Kanji for "Namu Nichiren Daibosatsu" is written in a straight line below the Daimoku, with the transcribing Minister's name and seal below that. I have seen three like that. I know the name of the Temple where one of those was made, but not its location. There are many temples with the same name. These all appear to be from Nichiren Shu temples, but I an not certain.

An example of this appeared in on line auction. The description read, "Nichiren Mandala Scroll (November 1915, transcribed by 59th High Priest Nisshin at Mt. Komuro in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan). Bestowed upon Akiyama, Genbei." The name of the Temple was given as Yamanashi Myohoji.

5. Rarely we see Mandalas with Nichiren's name & seal at the bottom, as if he wrote it himself, but done by someone other than Nichiren. The transcriber's name & seal might be off to the left on some of these. I am guessing these could have been intended to be hand drawn duplicates of Nichiren originals. Others appear to lack the name & seal of the person who made it. Some of these might even be forgeries, once intended to be passed off as originals; I really do not know. The two sold by Kaiundo are like this, but they are NOT passed off as originals. The calligrapher perhaps wished to remain anonymous.

6. Variations: I have an image of a Nakayama Monryu that might have Nichiren's name at the bottom right facing {the mandala's left}, no seal; and the Transcriber's name & seal on the opposite side. It is hard to see. I have seen others with the transcriber's name below Nichiren's; but no 'zaigohan' or 'gohan.'

I have hot linked images to this entry. If anyone has information on these styles, or other styles of reproducing Nichiren style Mandala Gohonzons, please feel free to share.

Posted in Robin Beck on November 5, 2007 02:04 AM