The Shikaku (_??__??_) Idea in Medieval Tendai Doctrine

Abstract

This paper concerns the hongaku idea of medieval Japanese Tendai. A main problem is the meaning in which the word shikaku is being used. I first consider the meaning of the term in the Dacheng qixin lun. Then, I examine its use in a number of texts associated with hongaku thought. I conclude that the term is used in a variety of senses.