The Great Mandalas by Nichiren: Focusing on the Praise

Abstract

By focusing on the essential words of Miao-le’s Hokke Mongu-ki [Annotations on the Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra]—the most used source in the Great Mandalas inscribed by Nichiren—this paper examines the significance of a devotional exercise undertaken by alms-givers’ in their spiritual service to Nichiren from the perspective of practicing honzongi (the purpose of honzon [the object of worship]—to pursue the vow made by Śākyamuni to save all living beings and to change the sahā world into a Buddha land). The praise (the words of reverence for Buddha), explicating shinki zaifuku (admonishment of a categorical belief in karma), calls upon people to have absolute belief in following the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren, the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra, and demonstrates that spiritual service to Nichiren would play a crucial role in making the Lotus Sutra and Buddha’s life work come alive in the reality of the Latter Day of the Law. By practicing the preachings of and through the existence of Nichiren, the disciples can join the world of the Great Mandala, where they can realize the ultimate sense of security. This paper argues that the praise clarifies the significance of such spiritual service.