Understanding Dosha-kaji in Myōebō-Kōben

Abstract

　Dosha-kaji is the esoteric ritual wherein the chanting of mantras empowers sands. In Japan, this ritual is widely performed by using the Kōmyō-mantra.

　In this paper, by referring to previous studies on rituals in India and China, I discuss Myōebō-Kōben, who propagated the practice of Dosha-kaji in Japan. Additionally, I consider Myōebō-Kōben’s understanding of the ritual and its methods as expressed in his writings. Results clearly revealed a unique understanding of the selection of sands, methods of the Dosha-kaji ritual, and ways for laypeople to have sands with them—all based on canonical literature. Myōebō-Kōben was also discovered to have employed the thoughts of Kūkai when explaining the essence of Dosha-kaji ritual.