This paper considers the relationship between shohō 諸法 (phenomena of the universe and matter) and jissō 実相 (real state) in Dōgen’s Shōbōgenzō 正法眼蔵.While one of the chapters of the work is entitled ‘Shohō Jissō’ 諸法実相,the terms shohō and jissō are in fact found throughout the Shōbōgenzō. The term shohō jissō appears in the Hōben (方便品,Skillful Means chapter) of the Lotus Sūtra. Originally, it was understood to mean the real state of the phenomena of the universe, but as time went on, it was understood rather that the phenomena of the universe are the real state of things. The latter can be interpreted by referring to the Shōbōgenzō’s chapter ‘Shohō-Jissō,’ but Dōgen avoids the latter expression. Therefore, it is necessary to give consideration to the ideas of shohō and jissō from chapters other than that. In addition, this paper also investigates whether Dōgen’s expression was intentional. In conclusion, Dōgen’s expression was intentional, and attention should be paid to the term jissō, especially when something is connected with it.
