The Būkkyōgakkai of the Ōtani Sect of Shin Buddhism: The Role of the Būkkyōgakkai in Receiving the Enthronement

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the role of the Būkkyōgakkai in expressing the position of the Ōtani sect during its patronage and support of the Enthronement of Emperor Taishō (the ceremonies held for the change of emperor). The Būkkyōgakkai was a correspondence school formed under the Ōtani sect of Shin Buddhism that also published proselytizing literature. The following points became clear as a result of this study.

The first is the publication of “The Enthronement and Shin Buddhism” (1913), prefaced by the full text of the Enthronement Reception Letter (the letter given by a high priest at the enthronement of a new emperor) by High Priest Shōnyo. The publication featured essays by prominent scholars of the sect to patronize and support the Enthronement.

The second is that this publication discussed the Two Truths Doctrine, which is defined in the doctrine of the Ōtani sect of Shin Buddhism, and had a tendency to emphasize the “provisional” (saṁvṛti) truth aspect more than the “ultimate” (paramārtha) truth aspect.

The third is that through this publication, the Būkkyōgakkai played a significant role for believers in the process of the Ōtani sect of Shin Buddhism following the state as Imperial-Way Buddhism.