Nichiren's View of Nation and Religion
A concern with "peace of the nation" was an integral part of Nichiren's religious vision. This paper examines Nichiren's understanding of the term "nation" (kokka), which for him pertained not so much to the political power structure, as much as to the land and the peop...
| Published in: | Japanese journal of religious studies |
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| Authors: | ; |
| Contributors: | |
| 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
Year: 1999, Volume: 26, Issue: 3/4, Pages: 307-323 |
| Further subjects: | B
Peacetime
B Buddhism B Medieval Period B Countries B Religious Studies B Power structures B Dharma B Political Authority B Treatises B Hell |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | A concern with "peace of the nation" was an integral part of Nichiren's religious vision. This paper examines Nichiren's understanding of the term "nation" (kokka), which for him pertained not so much to the political power structure, as much as to the land and the people who lived therein. His view of the Tennō and of earthly political power can then be seen in this light, as instruments toward establishing peace in the land and among the people. For Nichiren the highest value is the Transcendent Power who is none other than Śākyamuni Buddha, before whom all human beings stand on an equal plane. Failure on the part of political rulers to achieve the goal for which they are in power, that is, "peace of the nation, " results in their fall from power, and even death, or punishment in hell. This paper also surveys how this revolutionary message of Nichiren was modified by his followers in the course of Japanese history. |
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| Contains: | Enthalten in: Japanese journal of religious studies
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