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Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon # 008; the Ichinen Sanzen Honzon

2011-04-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

[Mandala] Number {番号}: 008
Era & Year {年}: Bun'ei Era {文永} Year Unknown.
Month; Moon {月}: Unknown
Day; Sun {日}: Unknown
Estimated Date: It is thought that the Ichinen Sanzen Honzon was written in June of 1272, at Ichi-no-sawa, which is modern Sawata, Sado. At the time, Nichiren was staying at the residence of Kondo Kiyohisa
Nichiren's Laudatory Inscription {讃文}: None
Conferral; Recipient {授与書}: None
Kept at, Housed at, Possession {所蔵}: Chiba Prefecture {千葉県} Hiraga {平賀} Hondoji {本土寺}
Nickname/Popular Name {通称}: Ichinen Sanzen {一念三千} Honzon {本尊}
Sheets {紙数}: One {1} Paper {1紙}
Height {丈}: 39.7 cm/15.62 inches inches
Width {幅}: 30.3 cm/ 11.9 inches
Side Note or Scriptural Quotation: 當知身土一念三千。故成道時稱此本理。一身一念遍於法界。 [from: 止観輔行伝弘決 by 妙楽]{Same sentence is found in 観心本尊抄}

As of April of 1272, Nichiren, then in exile on Sado Island, had been transferred from Tsukahara (eastern central Sado), to the residence of Kondo Kiyohisa at Ichinosawa (modern Sawata, west central Sado, near Mano Bay).

The Esoteric Ichinen Sanzen Honzon or Amulet is one of about 8 early honzon that are not dated. It is thouht that it was written in June of 1272 at Ichino-no-sawa. There are 3 Nichiren Temples that I know of in the Sawata area. These are Abutsubo Myosenji, Sado Jisso-ji, and Sado Myoshoji. Sado Myoshoji was likely the site of the residence of Kondo Kiyohisa.

What makes the Ichinen Sanzen Mandara unique, is the inclusion of the siddham, or two esoteric sanskrit seed symbols, for the Buddha Mahavairochana (Dainichi). In Nichiren’s time, the eclectic-syncretic Jimon-Tendai and Shingon Schools, who ran the Buddhist temples at Kamakura Tsurugaoka Hachimaguji, viewed Shinto Kami as manifestations of Buddhist Divinities. The most important of these was the syntheses of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami or Tensho Daijin with Dainichi. This also relates to the Siddham symbols for Aizen and Fudo, which are on many of Nichiren’s Mandala Gohonzon.

Side Note or Scriptural Quotation: 當知身土一念三千。故成道時稱此本理。一身一念遍於法界。 [from: Annotations on "Great Concentration and Insight" 止観輔行伝弘決 {Shikan-bugyo-den-guketsu} by 妙楽 {Miao-lo, Myoraku, aka Chan-jan}] [The same sentence is also found in 観心本尊抄 {Kanjin Honzon Sho}]

"The Great Teacher Miao-lo says: 'You should understand that one’s life and its environment at a single moment encompass the three thousand realms. Therefore, when one attains the Buddha way, one puts oneself in accord with this fundamental principle, and one’s body and mind at a single moment pervade the entire realm of phenomena.'" -- Kanjin Honzon Sho, WND translation

"One should achieve the gnosis that one's body and land is the reality of Ichinen Sanzen. When one attains the way by the cause of invoking this original principle, one's body and ichinen pervade all of the Dharma Realm." -- my translation of the same phrase.

當知身土一念三千 {to chi shindo ichinen sanzen}。

當 {to} = It is germane to, one ought to, it is proper to, it behooves one.
知 {chi} = jnana, gnosis, subjective wisdom, what one correctly and implicitly knows.
身土 {shindo} = Body and Land. " Body, and environment. The body is the direct fruit of the previous life; the environment is the indirect fruit of the previous life." -- Soothill
一念三千 {ichinen sanzen} = One thought-moment 3000. 念 {nen} here is a translation of kshana, not sati / smrti {mindfulness} in this case. Kshana is said to be a measure of time equal to 1/75 of a second. It is taken to mean a thought moment, or the interval between two thoughts. "In one thought, to survey or embrace the 3,000 worlds, or a chiliocosmos with all its forms of existence; to see the universe as a thought; it is a Tiantai mode of meditation." -- Soothill

One should achieve the gnosis that one's body and land is the reality of Ichinen Sanzen.
故成道時稱此本理 {ko jodo ji sho sho hon ri}。

故 {ko} = ?? Cause. ancient?
成道 {jodo} = Attain the way, complete the path.
時 {ji} = Time, hour, when.
稱 {sho} = To invoke, address, call.
此 {shi} = This
本 {hon] = main, true, real. It is used to mean much the same thing as Adhi or Adi; in the sense of the source, primary, original, primordial, and so on. "Radical, fundamental, original, principal, one's own; the Buddha himself, contrasted with 蹟 [shaku], traces [imprints] left by him among men to educate them; " -- Soothill
理 {ri} = Principle "siddhānta; hetu. Ruling principle, fundamental law, intrinsicality, universal basis, essential element; nidāna, reason; ..." -- Soothill

When one attains the way by the cause of invoking this original principle,

一身一念遍於法界 {ichi shin ichinen hen o hokai}。

一 {ichi} = one. sometimes indicates 'all of.'
身 {shin} = body,
一念 {ichinen} = eka kshana, one thought moment.
遍 {hen} = all pervasive, permeating all, universal, sarvatrag.
於 {o} = At, in, on, to, from, by, than.
法界{hokai} = Dharmadhatu . "(1) A name for "things" in general, noumenal or phenomenal; for the physical universe, or any portion or phase of it. ..." -- Soothill

One's body and ichinen pervade all of the Dharma Realm.

Partial Tentative Transliteration:
IF YOU CAN CORRECT ERRORS; OR ADD SOMETHING; PLEASE DO!
On your left, facing, reading right to left: Namu Shakamuni Butsu - Namu Monju-Fugen Bosastsu - Namu Kishimojin
Down the center: Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo
On your right, facing, reading from left to right: Namu Taho Nyorai - Namu Chigi Bosatsu - Namu Jurasetsunyo
Sanskrit Seed Symbols: On the top, each side: Mahavairochana (Dainchi) On the right your left, facing: Aizen On your right, facing: Fudo
Bottom: Nichiren's Signature and Seal.

Images of the Ichinen Sanzen Mandala may be viewed by clicking on these links.
@ Nichiren's Coffeehouse Gohonzon Shu
@ lbis japanese gohonzon shu
@ GohonzonForum (Membership Required) / home page
@ GohonzonInfo (Membership Required) / home page

See Also: Lucia DOLCE Nichiren’s Attitude toward Esoteric Buddhism .PDF

The Ichinen Sanzen Honzon is now kept at the Hiraga Hondo-ji (Ajisaidera) Temple {Home Page} in Matsudo, of the old Shimousa Province on Boso Hanto. I believe this temple is affiliated with the Kamakura based Nichiro-Hikigayatsu lineage headquartered at Kamakura Myohonji .

In addition to the Ichinen Sanzen Mandala, Hondo-ji at Hiraga also houses two other original Nichiren Mandalas. These are #17 and #18, both undated. The Temple appears to be closely connected with the conversion of Nichiro's half brother Nichizo (1269-1342).

Link

Link

Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon # 47: Instant Eradication of Disease Honzon

2010-05-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

This Mandala Gohonzon is dated March 16 1278 and is kept at Nakayama [中山] Hosen-in [法宣院] [Dharma Declaration Institute] of Chiba Prefecture [千葉県]. The "nickname" of the Mandala is 病即消滅本尊. That means something like 'sudden erasure & destruction of sickness honzon." Maybe the "Instant Healing of Disease Honzon?"

This refers to one of the inscriptions seen on the mandala.

"This sutra provides good medicine for the ills of the people of Jambudvipa. If a person who has an illness is able to hear this sutra, then his illness will be wiped out and he will know neither old age or death." from the Yakuo [Medicine King] Chapter of the LS. {Watson translation}

It appears that Nichiren did not designate a recipient for this one.

Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon # 48 Layman Nissen Juyo Honzon

2009-08-23T01:03:00.000-07:00

Era & Year {年}: 弘安 {koan} 1年 {nen}; First year of the Koan Era -- 1278
Month; Moon {月}: 4
Day; Sun {日} 21
Sign: 太才戊寅四
Nichiren's Laudatory Inscription {讃文}: 仏滅度後二千二百三十余年之間一閻浮提之内未曽有大漫荼羅也 {Butsu-metsu-do-go ni-sen ni-hyaku san-ju yo nen no aida ichienbudai no uchi mi-zo-u dai-man-da-ra nari}
Conferral; Recipient {授与書}: Layman / Upaska 優婆塞 {ubasoku} 日専 Nissen
Kept at / Housed at Possession {所蔵}: 京都府立本寺 Kyoto Ryuhonji
Sheets {紙数}: Two (2) sheets of Paper
Width {幅}: 68.8 cm
Height {丈}: 44.9 sm

Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon # 053; Nitcho Shonin Juyo Honzon of August 1278

2009-04-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

Mandala Number # 053 in the 日蓮聖人御本尊集 {Nichiren Shonin Gohonzon Catalog}. This Nichiren Gohonzon is mapped here: 日蓮聖人　大漫荼羅　０５３

Era & Year {年}: 弘安 {koan} 1年 {nen}; First year of the Koan Era -- 1278
Month; Moon {月}: Eighth {August}
Day; Sun {日}: Unknown
Nichiren's Laudatory Inscription {讃文}: 仏滅度後二千二百三十余年之間一閻浮提之内未曽有大漫荼羅也 { {Butsu-metsu-do-go ni-sen ni-hyaku san-ju yo nen no aida ichienbudai no uchi mi-zo-u dai-man-da-ra nari}}
Side Phrases: There are four of these. Two relate to the blessings derived from making offerings to and praising the Lotus Sutra. The other two to the Karmic retribution from defamation.

Top Left {that is your right side if you are facing the Mandala}: 有供養者福過十號 {u ku yo sha fuku ka ju go} . A person who makes offerings will experience good fortune that exceeds the Ten Titles.
Lower Left: 謗者開罪於無間 {bo sha kai zui ue mu-gen}. People who vilify this shall reap the fruit of their sin immediately.
Top Right: 若惱亂者頭破七分 {nyaku no ran sha zu ha shichi bun}. Those who vex and and annoy will have their heads broken into seven parts.
Lower Right: 賛者積福於安明 {San sha seki? fuku ue an-myo. A person who assists this will pile up fortune higher than Sumeru.

Conferral; Recipient {授与書}: 日頂 {Nitcho} 上人 {Shonin} (1252-1317); aka Iyo-bo. He was one the Six Elder Ministers 六老僧 {Rokuroso} designated by Nichiren Shonin on his death bed. He was a step-son of 富木常忍 {Toki Jonin} (1216–1299), also known as 日常 {Nichijo}. Nitcho had a younger brother named 日澄 {Nitcho}; aka Jakusenbo. At some point the Elder Nitcho served as Chief Abbot of 真間山弘法寺 {Mamasan Guboji}. Sometime after Nichiren's passing, a conflict with his step-father caused 日頂 {Nitcho} to leave Guboji. He eventually went to his mother's home area of 重須 {Omuso} [now Kitayama] and assisted another Elder, 日興 {Nikko} (1246–1333). Reliable sources indicate that Nitcho was at Omosu by 1302, and built a small temple near there, called Shorin-ji, in March in 1303.
Kept at / Housed at Possession {所蔵}: Shizuoka Prefecture Shizuoka City Shimizu Kaicho-ji,
Nickname / Popular Name {通称}: 日頂上人授与本尊 {Nitcho Shonin Juyo Honzon}
Sheets {紙数}: Three sheets of Paper
Width {幅}: 52.4 cm {20 5/8 inches}
Height {丈}: 94.5 cm {37.25 inches }

Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon # 052; Bhikshu Nikken Juyo Honzon of 1278

2009-04-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Mandala Number # 052 in the 日蓮聖人御本尊集 {Nichiren Shonin Gohonzon Catalogue}. This Nichiren Gohonzon is mapped here: 日蓮聖人　大漫荼羅　０５２. It is mentioned at Saikakudoppo's blog.

Era & Year {年}: 弘安 {koan} 1年 {nen}; First year of the Koan Era -- 1278
Month; Moon {月}: Unknown
Day; Sun {日}: Unknow
Nichiren's Laudatory Inscription {讃文}: 仏滅度後二千二百三十余年之間一閻浮提之内未曽有大漫荼羅也 { {Butsu-metsu-do-go ni-sen ni-hyaku san-ju yo nen no aida ichienbudai no uchi mi-zo-u dai-man-da-ra nari}}
Conferral; Recipient {授与書}: 比丘日賢授与之 {biku nichiken juyo no} -- This was conferred upon Bhikshu Nikken. There was a Nikken assigned to guard rotation duty at Minobu: "The 3rd month: Echizen-ko {越前公} and Awaji-ko {淡路公} Nikken." Source: The "Hakasho Mamorubeki Bancho no Koto" {The Shift for Protecting. His Mausoleum}. Also, Honjoji (本成寺); which is a small Temple at Kamakura, was founded in 1309, by Nikken {日賢}, a disciple of Nichiren {日蓮}. The Main Hall contains a sambo-soshi (三宝祖師) {a Nichiren treasure} and a statue of Nichiren. These could refer to the same Nikken who was bestowed mandala # 052.
Kept at / Housed at / Possession {所蔵}: 佐賀県勝妙寺 {sagaken shomyoji} ~~ Saga Ogi County Shomyoji Temple. Another record indicates housed Shomyoji temple; preceded by kanji for san, nichi, and gatsu {三日月}. The date points to this temple: Link,
Nickname / Popular Name {通称}: Nikken Juyo Honzon
Sheets {紙数}: Records indicate the original mandala was made on 3 sheets of paper.
Width {幅: 126.1 cm {50 inches}
Height {丈}: 66.1 sm {27 inches }
Area {面積}: 8335.21 cm

The Chakra Jewel Honzon #051

2009-04-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

Mandala Number # 051 in the 日蓮聖人御本尊集 {Nichiren Shonin Gohonzon Catalog}. This Nichiren Gohonzon is mapped here: 日蓮聖人　大漫荼羅　０５１

年月日Date : 弘安元年 First Year 年 of Koan 七月五日Seventh Month; Fifth Day. 授与
{Juyo} Conferral: 削損 Erased or Damaged Entry. Thought to be: 日朗上人 Nichiro Shonin.
通称 Popular Name: 輪寶御本尊 {Rinbo Gohonzon} Chakraratna or Wheel Jewel Honzon.
讃文 Nichiren's Laudatory Inscription: 仏滅度後二千二百三十余年之間一閻浮之内未曽有大漫荼羅也 {(butsu metsu do go) (ni sen) (ni hyaku) (san ju) (yo nen) no aida (ichi en bu) (no uchi) (mi zo u} (dai man da ra) nari}
Material: Paper 3 紙 Three Sheets
Dimensions: 120.6 X 64.5 centimeters or 47 3/8 X 25.5 inches
所蔵 Kept at: 京都本圀寺 Kyoto Honkokuji

This large Mandala is presumed to be have made for Reverend Nichiro; one of Sage Nichiren's Six Major Disciples. It is called the Rinbo or Chakraratna because of the pattern of the scroll on which it is mounted. If I read correctly, the Chakra Jewel may have been Nichiro's family crest, but do not bet the farm on that.

Wakamiya Gohonzon # 050

2009-04-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

Mandala Number # 050 in the 日蓮聖人御本尊集 {Nichiren Shonin Gohonzon Catalog}. It is mapped here: 日蓮聖人　大漫荼羅　０５０

Date : 弘安元年 First Year 年 of Koan 七月五日Seventh Month; Fifth Day. {July 05 1278}
授与 {Juyo} Conferral: 沙門日門 Shamon Nichimon
通称 Popular Name: 若宮本尊 Wakamiya Honzon and 竹内本尊 {Takenai or Takeuchi Honzon} Inner Bamboo Grove Honzon?
讃文 Nichiren's Laudatory Inscription: 仏滅度後二千二百三十余年之間一閻浮提之内未曽有大漫荼羅也 {Butsu-metsu-do-go ni-sen ni-hyaku san-ju yo nen no aida ichienbudai no uchi mi-zo-u dai-man-da-ra nari}. After the Buddha's passing, there has been an interval of more than 2230 years. Moreover, In between then and now, this Great Mandala was unheard of in this world.
Material: Paper 3 紙 Sheets
Dimensions: 53 X 94.9 cm or 20.86 x 37 3/8 inches.
所蔵 Kept at: 京都頂妙寺 Kyoto Chomyoji

The conferral {juyo} notation is to Shamon Nichimon. Shamon is a transliteration of the Sanskrit Sharmana. DDB translates Shamon as "Wandering Monk." I can not find anything about Nichimon. The date is the First Year of Koan, Seventh Month; Fifth Day; or July 5th 1278. That is the same date as the Rinbo Gohonzon {# 051}; which it resembles. It is also similar to the Bhikkhu Nikken Honzon {# 052} from the same month.

Mandala # 50 has two popular names. I am not sure of the reading of either. One is likely the Wakamiya Gohonzon. Wakamiya is a street in Kamakura leading to the Hachiman Shrine; the site of Nichiren's famous scolding of Hachiman, on 12th September, 1271. The other popular name is read either Takeuchi or Takenai. Take is used as a translation of the Sanskrit Venu, meaning Bamboo Grove. It can just mean bamboo. Uchi or nai is used as a translation of adhyatma; meaning internal or personal, It can also mean inner, within, home, house, hut, between, or among. Takeuchi is also a common Japanese given or surname.

Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon # 049; Never Aging, Never Dying Honzon?

2009-04-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

Gohonzon # 049 in the 日蓮聖人御本尊集 {Nichiren Shonin Gohonzon Catalog}.

Era & Year {年}: 弘安 {koan} 1年 {nen}; First year of the Koan Era -- 1278
Month; Moon {月}: seventh -- July
Day; Sun {日}: Unknown
Nichiren's Laudatory Inscription {讃文}: none
Side Phrases Rearranged: 此經則爲閻浮提人病之良薬若有人病得聞是經病即消滅不老不死 {shi kyo soku i en-bu-dai nin byo no ro-yaku nya-u [nyaku yu] nin byo toku bun shi kyo byo soku sho metsu fu-ro fu-shi }

Top Left {right facing}: 病即消滅 {byo soku sho-metsu} Sickness is instantly cured.
Left Side {right facing}:.此經則爲閻浮提人病之良薬 {shi kyo soku i en-bu-dai nin byo no ro-yaku } This Sutra Model serves the people of Jambudvipa as a skillful medicine for human illness.
Top Right {left facing}: 不老不死 {fu-ro fu-shi} Never aging, never dying.
Right Side {left facing}: 若有人病得聞是經 {nya-u [nyaku yu] nin byo toku bun shi kyo} If any sick person is able to hear this sutra.

Conferral; Recipient {授与書}: None
Kept at / Housed at Possession {所蔵}: 静岡県岩本実相寺 Shizuoka Iwamoto Jissoji
Nickname / Popular Name {通称}: None I know of; though this could be called the 病即消滅本尊 {Byo Soku Sho-metsu} Instant Eradication of Sickness Honzon or 不老不死本尊 {Fushi Furo} Never Aging, Never Dying Honzon.
Sheets {紙数}: 1
Width {幅}: 23.9 cm / 9.4 inches
Height {丈}: 33 cm / 12.99 inches

Rearranged. the phrase is almost identical to one of the phrases on the Kito Honzon (# 037): 此經則爲閻浮提人病之良薬若人有病得聞是經病即消滅不老不死 {shi kyo soku i en-bu-dai nin byo no ro-yaku nyaku nin yu byo toku bun shi kyo byo soku shu-metsu fu-ro fu-shi}.

"This sutra is truly a splendid medicine for the diseases of the people of Jambudvipa. A sick person who hears this will be immediately cured of his disease. He will not grow old or die before his time." ~~ Passages Inscribed on the Prayer Gohonzon

"This sutra provides good medicine for the ills of the people of Jambudvipa. If a person who has an illness is able to hear this sutra, then his illness will be wiped out and he will know neither old age or death." from the Yakuo [Medicine King] Chapter of the LS. {Watson translation}

The Kito Honzon 祈祷本尊 Nichiren Shonin Gohonzon Catalogue # 037

2009-02-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

[Mandala] Number {番号}: 037
Era & Year {年}: Kenji Era { 建治} Second (2) Year {2年} [1276]
Month; Moon {月}: four (4) [April ]
Day {日}: Not Given
Nichiren's Laudatory Inscription {讃文}: 仏滅後二千二百二十余年之間一閻浮提之内未曽有大漫荼羅也
Conferral; Recipient: Dai {大} Nippon {日本} Nation {国} Shamon {沙門} Nissho {日照} conferred this{之} Conferred upon Shramana Nissho of the Great Nation of Japan.
Kept at; Housed at; Possession {所蔵}: Shizuoka Prefecture {静岡県} Tamazawa {玉沢} Myohokkeji {妙法華寺}
Nickname/Popular Name: {通称}: Kito [Prayer] {祈祷} Honzon {本尊 }
Sheets {紙数}: 8 papers
Height {丈}: 133.4 cm / 52.5 inches
Width {幅}: 98.5 cm / 38.78 inches
Area {面積}: 13139.9 cm

Side phrase on the upper right side {left facing}: "This sutra provides good medicine for the ills of the people of Jambudvipa. If a person who has an illness is able to hear this sutra, then his illness will be wiped out and he will know neither old age or death." That is from the Yakuo [Medicine King] Chapter. #23, of the LS. {Watson translation}

I shall be adding more content to this entry.

The Enlightenment of Women Honzon

2009-02-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

Mandala 009

[Mandala] Number {番号}: 009
Era & Year {年}: Bun'ei Era {文永} Year Unknown
Month; Moon {月}: Unknown
Day; Sun {日}: Unknown
Nichiren's Laudatory Inscription {讃文}: None
Conferral; Recipient {授与書}: None
Kept at, Housed at, Possession {所蔵}: Niigata Prefecture {新潟県} Sado {佐渡} Myosenji {妙宣寺}
Nickname/Popular Name {通称}:Women {女人} Nirvana {成仏} Honzon {本尊}
Sheets {紙数}: 18 sheets {18紙}
Height {丈}: 157 cm/62 inches
Width {幅}: 103 cm/40.5 inches
Area {面積}: 16,171 cm

My Comments: Sado Myosenji is located at Abutsubo, Mano Town, Sado City. The temple also houses the mandalas numbered 003b and 012. This might be the mandala issued to the lay nun Sennichi, the wife of Abutsubo, and mentioned in On Offering Prayers to the Mandala of the Mystic Law .

Links: asahi/gojyaku/sado/myousenji ... tencoo/jinja/xmyosen ... kawai52.cool.ne.jp/niigata-myousenji .. . hgotan.hp.infoseek.co.jp/etigonobutubutu/myousenji ... homepage2.nifty.com/sado/myosenji.... niigata-kankou.or.jp/sadoguide/mano/myousenji ... kimura-product.co.jp/niigata

Introduction

2008-01-11T03:36:00.000-08:00

Hello,

At the present time I am researching the Mandala Gohonzons inscribed by Nichiren Shonin. These include those which are authenticated and published in the Nichiren Shonin Gohonzon Catalog, as well as some which are not. You may also see my raw data at Mettawaves from Robin's Nest hosted by Fraught with Peril