Zonkaku 存覚 as Dharma Preacher: An Examination of the Origin Story of the Śākyamuni Statue at Shōryōji 清涼寺 in the Hōonki 報恩記

Abstract

This study is intended to clarify the character of Zonkaku 存覚 (1290–1373) as a dharma preacher (shōdōsō 唱導僧) by focusing on his use of the origin story of the Śākyamuni statue at the Shōryōji 清涼寺 in his Hōonki 報恩記.

This origin story was already widely popular in medieval Japan. It was well-known by the followers of the Nichiren school since Nichiren himself cited the story in his writings. Zonkaku wrote the Hōonki for the Shin Buddhist community led by Myōkō 明光, which was in competition with Nichiren’s followers. Zonkaku adopted this popular story as a common ground that would allow Shin followers to compete squarely with Nichiren followers, and also to help popularize their missionary work among ordinary people.

Unlike Shinran, Zonkaku often explained Shin Buddhist doctrine by appealing to popular Buddhist stories, which probably reflects the social and cultural environment surrounding him and the Shin community.