Nichiryū’s Ideas on “tathata”

Abstract

This article studies Nichiryū’s theory of tathatā. As approaches, the development of tathatā theory in Chinese Buddhism, and the dispute over the one vehicle and the three vehicle teachings (三一権実論争) between Saichō and Tokuitsu are surveyed. It is also a goal to define the characteristics of Nichiryū teaching, by comparing and examining Nichiryū’s theory of tathatā.

As a result, Nichiryū’s understanding of tathatā was found to differ from that asserted by other sects. In Chinese Buddhism, as well as in the Hossō and Tendai sects, the basis of their tathatā understanding was persistently to attain enlightenment. On the other hand, it was observed that Nichiyū’s interpretation of tathatā was based on the ideas of the Lotus Sūtra’s Honom Happon (本門八品). This is because Nichiryū became aware of the capacity of beings known as ‘mappō-no-shujō’ (末法の衆生) by following the writings of Nichiren as a basis, and because he placed the attainment of Buddhahood achieved only by piety at the root of his theory. It can be said that Nichiryū interpreted tathatā through the Lotus Sūtra in order to derive Buddhahood attained by piety in the Lotus Sūtra, as this is the only means in the time of mappō.