The Works by Katsudō Honkō and the Mutual Relationships Among his Writings: With Reference to the Nenpyō Sanbyaku-soku Hōgo-ge

Abstract

Katsudō Honkō 瞎道本光’s Nenpyō Sanbyaku-soku Hōgo-ge 拈評三百則方語解 is a commentary on the works of the Nenpyō Sanbyaku-soku Funō-go 拈評三百則不能語, which focuses on the source texts and word definitions. This study examines the materials that Katsudō used as the basis for his commentary, in particular, those appearing frequently in the Hōgo-ge. Moreover, the study explores parts of the commentary that reveal an association with other works, thereby clarifying both the position of the Hōgo-ge and a part of Katsudō’s basic education and ideological foundation.

First, it is confirmed that Katsudō lived in an environment where he was able to gain access and refer to the whole of the Obaku Edition of the Chinese Canon 黄檗版大蔵経, which was published at a comparatively early stage. However, further investigation into Katsudō’s use of the Zheng zi tong 正字通, which appears numerous times in the Hōgo-ge, is required.

Second, the mutual relationships among Katsudō’s own writings were investigated, leading to the conclusion that the interpretations of word definitions that Katsudō gives in the Hōgo-ge can also be applied to his other works regardless of the period during which they were written. Finally, while examining the relationship with the Giun-oshō Goroku Gei-gotsu 義雲和尚語録輗軏, it emerged that there might have been a specific intention, a premeditation, for the publication of the Hōgo-ge.