Interpretation of the Lotus Sūtra in Nitchō’s Nisshutsu taionki

Abstract

As a Nichiren Buddhist monk, Nitchō 日澄 argued against Enchin’s Hanichirengi (破日蓮義) by making use of Lotus Sūtra school teachings. I here scrutinize and clarify the doctrinal thought in his Nisshutsu taionki (日出台隠記). In particular, I pay attention to the skillful means inside and outside the body in the Lotus Sūtra, and since Nichiren raised the problem in his Jisshō shō (十章鈔), it has been continuously discussed. Therefore, the history of Nichiren’s teachings can be clearified by examining in detail this discussion from the Muromachi Period.