In the history of Nichiren sect doctrinal studies, Sakyō ajari Nikkyō 左京阿闍梨日教 appears as a scholar who tried to prove the originality of the ideas of the school of Nikkō 日興by quoting from traditionally transmitted records and Nichiren’s last writings. In order to fully understand the teachings, it is indispensable to examine how these seemingly important pieces of evidence have been accepted. While many of his writings have been handed down in manuscript form, this study focuses on the only surviving authentic copy, the Ruijūkanshūshi 類聚翰集私, to verify its citations.
I found that Nikkyō used in particular the Hyakurokkashō 百六箇抄 of the Ryōgan Kechimyaku 両巻血脈 among the records. For example, in Article 5, while quoting the Kaimokushō 開目抄 and Hōonjō 報恩抄 from the last writings, Nikkyō characteristically uses records, such as the Hyakurokkashō in its conclusion. He also argues for the theory of Nichiren honbutsuron 日蓮本仏論 with Nichiren as a principal deity, and claims that the Buddhadharma was passed to Nikko after Nichiren, and has been inherited by successive generations of priests since then.
