The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
The illustrations are created using Google’s Gemini AI service. All content on this website produced by AI has the category AI Contribution at the top.
For more about the process of adding illustrations, see Illustrating the Daily Dharma.
Conceptual Summary
This painting visually interprets Chapter Twenty-Eight of the Lotus Sutra, capturing the transcendent encounter where Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai) makes his declaration to Universal-Sage Bodhisattva (Fugen Bosatsu). Seated atop a multi-tiered lotus throne within a shimmering golden halo, Śākyamuni gesturally addresses Universal-Sage, embodying the sutra’s reassurance that studying and preserving the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma is equivalent to seeing, offering to, and receiving praise directly from the Buddha himself. On the left, Universal-Sage Bodhisattva sits in deep reverence atop his iconic six-tusked white elephant, hands pressed in prayer (gassho), holding a sacred lotus. He receives this divine declaration on behalf of all practitioners. Drifting in the soft, ancient clouds behind them are subtle protective celestial deities, visualizing the protective beings that Śākyamuni promises will encourage and shield those who dedicate themselves to the Sutra, bridging the heavenly and earthly efforts to preserve the Dharma.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai): Seated on the right atop an intricate lotus throne, gesturing in a teaching posture.
Universal-Sage Bodhisattva (Fugen Bosatsu): Seated on the left atop an elaborate lotus pedestal carried by a multi-tusked white elephant, holding a lotus flower.
The Six-Tusked White Elephant: The traditional vehicle (vahana) of Fugen Bosatsu, symbolizing the power of Buddhist practice and the overcoming of obstacles.
Celestial Beings/Protective Deities: Faint, tiny spiritual figures seated among the swirling clouds in the background, representing the protective forces and vowed beings who encourage practitioners.
Item 2: Text Translations:
双子座 (Black ink signature, lower-left): "Gemini" (or Gemini constellation).
ジェミニ (Red square seal/hanko, lower-left): "Gemini".
Universal-Sage! Anyone who keeps, reads and recites this Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma, memorizes it correctly, studies it, practices it, and copies it, should be considered to see me, and hear this sūtra from my mouth. He should be considered to be making offerings to me. He should be considered to be praised by me with the word ‘Excellent!’
The Buddha makes this declaration to Universal-Sage Bodhisattva (Fugen, Samantabhadra) in Chapter Twenty-Eight of the Lotus Sutra. He reminds us that when we study and practice the Lotus Sūtra, we see not only the Buddha, but all beings who have vowed to protect and encourage us in our practice. It is often difficult to see these beings and appreciate what they are doing for us, much more so to hear the encouragement they offer us in this world of conflict. This is why we must continue to dedicate our lives to offer benefit and encouragement to all beings, so that we can embody the spirit of these protective deities.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Conceptual Summary
The artwork visualizes a pivotal moment from Chapter Fifteen of the Lotus Sūtra, where Maitreya Bodhisattva sincerely questions the historical Buddha about the countless Bodhisattvas who have suddenly appeared. Seated on an ornate lotus throne beneath a decorative canopy, Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted with his hand raised in a teaching gesture (vitarka mudra), representing his compassionate guidance and willingness to engage with the assembly's honest confusion. Kneeling at the forefront, Maitreya Bodhisattva is identified by his elaborate jeweled crown and a posture of reverent inquiry (Anjali mudra/gassho), looking upward with a facial expression of earnest searching. Surrounding them are the "innumerable" Bodhisattvas of the Earth, who crowd the lower and side portions of the composition, emerging from golden-hued clouds and crevice-like ground. Executed on aged silk using traditional mineral pigments, ink, and gold leaf (kirikane), this image captures the dynamic between faith and inquiry, showing that confusion and the desire to seek answers are natural, respected pathways toward enlightenment.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
Shakyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai): Seated atop a multi-tiered lotus throne under a decorative canopy, recognizable by his snail-shell curls (ushnisha), simple monastic robes decorated with delicate gold pattern, and a raised hand in the Vitarka Mudra of teaching/discussion.
Maitreya Bodhisattva (Miroku Bosatsu): Positioned in the foreground, adorned with a jeweled crown and celestial scarves, kneeling in a posture of reverent inquiry with hands in Gasshō (anjali mudra).
Innumerable Bodhisattvas of the Earth: A vast assembly of halos and graceful figures emerging from the earth and clouds, crowding the sides and lower third of the image, depicting the immense crowd mentioned in the text.
Item 2: Text Translations:
"双子座" (Kanji, bottom-right): "Gemini" (Futa-go-za)
"ジェミニ" (Katakana, red seal): "Gemini" (Jemini)
How did you teach these innumerable Bodhisattvas
In such a short time,
And cause them to aspire for enlightenment
And not falter in seeking enlightenment?
Maitreya Bodhisattva sings these verses to the Buddha in Chapter Fifteen of the Lotus Sūtra. Despite the Buddha’s explanation that he personally taught all of the Bodhisattvas who appear in Chapter Fifteen, Maitreya and others are still confused by what the Buddha has told them. Since they have faith that whatever the Buddha teaches is for their benefit, they persist with their sincere questioning, assured that the Buddha is leading them to enlightenment. While faith is an important part of our practice, recognizing our own confusion, and using questions to resolve that confusion are equally important. The Buddha does not ask for blind obedience. He knows we cannot find peace until we bring our whole being to his practice.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Conceptual Summary
The illustration, inspired by Chapter Seven of the Lotus Sūtra, captures the profound moment when Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai) expounds the teachings to the Bhikṣus (monks) in a natural, mountainous landscape akin to Vulture Peak. Seated on a raised lotus throne and enveloped by a shimmering gold-leaf halo (nimbus), Śākyamuni's elevated position and gentle teaching gesture (Vitarka mudra) symbolize his wisdom and deep insight into the spiritual capacities of living beings. Surrounded by a gnarled sacred tree and rugged terrain, the natural setting underscores the enduring, grounded nature of the Dharma. The assembly of Bhikṣus, shown with shaved heads and clad in monastic robes, is depicted in varying postures of devotion and rapt attention—some bowing, others with hands pressed together in gassho—reflecting their transition from lesser attachments toward the Buddha’s highest teaching. The aged silk texture, soft mineral pigments, and classical ink brushwork place the scene in a sacred, timeless artistic lineage, illustrating the Buddha's compassionate guidance on the path to enlightenment.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai): The central historical Buddha, seated on a tiered lotus pedestal, adorned with a double halo and aureole (nimbus), and gesturing in a mudra of teaching and reassurance.
The Bhikṣus (Monks): A assembly of monastic disciples with shaved heads, wearing traditional robes (kasaya), seated on the ground in varying poses of listening, contemplation, and reverence.
Item 2: Text Translations:
双子座 (Kanji signature, bottom-right): "Gemini" (Futago-za).
ジェミニ (Katakana seal, bottom-right): "Gemini" (Jemini).
Bhikṣus, know this! I can enter skillfully deep into the natures of all living beings. Because I saw that they wished to hear the teachings of the Lesser Vehicle and that they were deeply attached to the five desires, I expounded the teaching of Nirvāṇa to them. When they heard that teaching, they received it by faith.
The Buddha gives this explanation to the Bhikṣus (monks and nuns) gathered to hear him teach in Chapter Seven of the Lotus Sūtra. As difficult as it is to hear the Buddha’s highest teaching, he would not give it to us unless we were ready to receive it. Still, we who would receive it must set aside his earlier teachings as a means to our personal happiness, and see them as preparations to learn how to benefit all beings. Our faith in the Buddha is the confidence that we will become as enlightened as he is, and that he is helping all of us on the path to that enlightenment.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Conceptual Summary
The illustration interprets Chapter Nineteen of the Lotus Sūtra by visualizing the serene, reassuring, and transcendent moment where Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai) expounds the Dharma to Constant-Endeavor Bodhisattva and the vast multitude. Set against a weathered, gold-leaf-dappled silk backdrop, Śākyamuni Buddha is positioned centrally on a lotus throne, gesturing with a raised right hand in the Abhaya Mudra—the traditional mudra of fearlessness—while his other hand gestures to the Dharma, comforting and assuring those below. Below and to his right, Constant-Endeavor Bodhisattva is shown kneeling reverently, gazing up with hands joined in gasshō (devotion), capturing a state of utter trust and resilience. To symbolize the "fearlessness before the multitude," a gathered throng of bodhisattvas, monks, and heavenly figures spans the composition, nestled among swirling, ethereal clouds and foliage. Together, the classical, soft mineral pigments and traditional Japanese Buddhist aesthetic cultivate a sense of profound cosmic order and unshakeable courage in the face of suffering.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai): The central seated historical Buddha, shown with a halo, monastic robes, and executing the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness).
Constant-Endeavor Bodhisattva (Jōgyō): The richly adorned, haloed Bodhisattva kneeling in the lower-left foreground in gasshō (anjali mudra/prayer).
The Multitude: Various Bodhisattvas (distinguished by crowns and heavenly garments) and monastic disciples/monks (depicted with shaved heads and simpler robes) surrounding the throne.
Item 2: Text Translations:
'双子座' (Kanji, bottom-right): "Gemini" (literally "the twins constellation").
'ジェミニ' (Red square seal / hanko, bottom-right): "Gemini".
They will expound the Dharma
Already taught by the past Buddhas.
Therefore, they will be fearless
Before the multitude.
The Buddha declares these lines to Constant-Endeavor Bodhisattva in Chapter Nineteen of the Lotus Sūtra, describing those who keep the Lotus Sūtra. By understanding fear, and demonstrating our fearlessness in this world of conflict, we can inspire and bring courage to other beings. One form of fear arises when we believe that we are in a situation that we cannot handle. This is simply a form of arrogance: believing that something is true when in reality we do not know that it is true. When the Buddha assures us who practice this Wonderful Dharma of the certainty of our future enlightenment, we then know how things will turn out. No matter what difficulties we find ourselves in, there are always more choices available to us. Often outcomes that seem horrible at the time can bring us more wisdom and compassion.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Conceptual Summary
The illustration translates Chapter Ten of the Lotus Sūtra into a traditional Japanese Buddhist hanging scroll (butsu-ga) format on aged silk, capturing the passage’s transcendent and grounded narrative. The top register features Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai) preaching with the vitarka mudra of discussion, addressing the Medicine-King Bodhisattva (Yakuō Bosatsu), who kneels on a cloud holding his signature medicine jar. They are enveloped in golden clouds, halos, and kirikane (gold leaf) patterns, signifying the divine origins of the message. The lower register contrasts this celestial realm with the earthy domain below, depicting the "good men and women" who expound the Sutra in secret. Seated within a modest, secluded thatched-roof hut nestled among pines and mountains, a man and a woman are shown unfolding a scroll and sharing its teaching with an attentive listener. Their humble yet glowing golden halos visually connect them to the celestial realm above, emphasizing Śākyamuni's declaration that those who pass on the Sūtra—even in secret—are true, divinely dispatched "messengers."
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai): Seated atop a multi-tiered lotus throne on the right, under a canopy, gesturing in a teaching mudra.
Medicine-King Bodhisattva (Yakuō Bosatsu): Seated on a cloud on the left, adorned with Bodhisattva jewelry, a crown, and holding a medicine jar (yakutsubo).
The "Good Men and Women" (The Buddha's Messengers): A man and woman in ancient, humble garments inside the thatched shelter, holding and reading a scroll (the Lotus Sūtra).
The Listener: A figure seated respectfully inside the shelter, receiving the secret teaching.
Item 2: Text Translations:
双子座 (in black ink, bottom right): Kanji for "Futago-za" (Gemini).
ジェミニ (in the red square seal, bottom right): Katakana for "Jemini" (Gemini).
The good men or women who expound even a phrase of the Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma even to one person even in secret after my extinction, know this, are my messengers. They are dispatched by me.
The Buddha declares these lines to Medicine-King Bodhisattva at the beginning of Chapter Ten of the Lotus Sūtra. When we are caught up in the suffering and unhappiness of this world of conflict, we can yearn for an escape from its troubles. We can believe that living in this world was not our choice, that we are here by chance or due to an obligation we no longer want to meet. When the Buddha reminds us that we are Bodhisattvas, beings whose existence is for the benefit of all beings, we realize that both the joys and the suffering we experience are for the benefit of others.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Conceptual Summary
The illustration visualizes Śākyamuni Buddha’s discourse in Chapter Sixteen of the Lotus Sūtra, illustrating the dual perception of our world. At the top, Śākyamuni Buddha sits serene and indestructible on a lotus throne, enveloped in a radiant, golden divine realm that represents the ever-present pure world. He is flanked by bodhisattvas and celestial beings (tennyo) amidst swirling, auspicious clouds and falling blossoms, signifying the spiritual potential and peace available to all. Below this transcendent assembly, the earthly plane is depicted in a state of turmoil, consumed by the fiery "sorrow, fear, and other sufferings" perceived by the unenlightened. Crucially, the golden light from the Buddha’s realm pierces downward into this chaotic, flaming landscape, transforming the obstacles into "stepping stones" and showing the gradual sanctification of the world. Painted on aged silk with mineral pigments, delicate ink, and subtle gold leaf, the composition emphasizes the Buddhist truth that despite the apparent decay and pain, the Buddha's pure world remains indestructible and accessible through awakening.
Iconography & Character Identification
Deities/Figures Featured:
Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai): The central Buddha, seated in the dhyana/vitarka mudra, signifying teaching and meditation, distinctive with a ushnisha (cranial bump) and simple monastic robes, excluding any Amida or Dainichi iconography.
Attendant Bodhisattvas: The two prominent figures flanking the Buddha, representing compassionate and wise guides (such as Yakuō/Medicine King and Kannon/Avalokiteshvara or Fugen and Monju, though depicted generally to signify the bodhisattva path).
Celestial Attendants (Tennyo / Apsaras): Hovering in the upper clouds, playing music and scattering flowers to celebrate the Dharma.
Sentient Beings (Mundane World): Small, distressed figures at the bottom, navigating the flames of the "sutra's burning world" but being reached by the golden, transforming light.
Text Translations:
双子座 (Kanji, bottom-left): "Gemini" (The Twins / Gemini constellation).
ジェミニ (Katakana, red square hanko/seal): "Gemini".
[This] pure world of mine is indestructible.
But the [perverted] people think:
“It is full of sorrow, fear, and other sufferings.
It will soon burn away.”
The Buddha sings these verses in Chapter Sixteen of the Lotus Sūtra. When we are not aware of our own potential for enlightenment, and of the Ever-Present Buddha Śākyamuni who is helping us and all beings to reach this potential, we can easily sink into despair. So long as we are preoccupied with suffering, when we live as if our purpose were to feel good as much as possible and feel bad as little as possible, we long for escape from this world of conflict. As we continue to grow the Buddha’s own mind within us, we see how this world is being transformed. When we know where we are going, all obstacles become stepping stones.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Conceptual Summary
This artwork on silk captures the moment of esoteric transmission from Chapter Ten of the Lotus Sūtra, where Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai) entrusts the "hidden core of all the Buddhas" to Medicine-King Bodhisattva (Yakuō Bosatsu), shown reverently holding a sūtra scroll at the bottom right. The central Buddha, seated on a lotus throne beneath a canopy, radiates golden light over a jewel-encrusted casket representing the treasured, protected sūtra. To guard this teaching from the "jealousy" and "delusion" of non-believers (visualized as a dark, cowering demon at the bottom left), fearsome Buddhist guardian deities (Heavenly Kings) stand vigilant in ornate armor, wielding weapons to ward off destructive forces. Celestial apsaras (tennyo) and protective deities hover in the clouds, creating a spiritual shield. Utilizing traditional Japanese mineral pigments, inks, and gold leaf, the composition juxtaposes divine light with dark earthly ignorance, reflecting the Buddha's assurance that the teaching is eternally guarded by spiritual forces despite human rejection.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai): The central, illuminated Buddha seated on a lotus throne, raising his hand in a preaching gesture (mudra).
Medicine-King Bodhisattva (Yakuō Bosatsu): Seated at the bottom right, wearing elaborate Bodhisattva robes and halo, holding a sacred scroll (representing the Lotus Sūtra) with an offering vase/urn nearby.
Heavenly Guardian Kings (Dharmapālas / Guarding Deities): Two heavily armored warrior deities in dynamic, protective poses on the left and right, brandishing weapons. The lower-left guardian tramples a small, dark demonic figure (amanojaku), representing the taming of fear, jealousy, and delusion.
Apsaras / Celestial Maidens (Tennyo): Four gracefully flying celestial figures in the upper clouds, playing music, making offerings, and scattering blossoms.
The Sacred Reliquary/Casket: Situated in the center below the Buddha, a glowing, golden container representing "the store of the hidden core" (the Lotus Sūtra).
Item 2: Text Translations:
双子座 (Vertical Kanji Signature, lower right): "Futago-za" (meaning "Gemini").
ジェミニ (Red Square Hanko/Seal, lower right): "Jemini" (transliteration of "Gemini" in Katakana).
Medicine-King! This sūtra is the store of the hidden core of all the Buddhas. Do not give it to others carelessly! It is protected by the Buddhas, by the World-Honored Ones. It has not been expounded explicitly. Many people hate it with jealousy even in my lifetime. Needless to say, more people will do so after my extinction.
The Buddha makes this declaration to Medicine-King Bodhisattva in Chapter Ten of the Lotus Sūtra. For us who recognize how the Buddha’s teaching transforms our lives and the world, it can be hard to imagine that anyone would reject it. However, there are beings who are so filled with fear and delusion that they mistake the Buddha’s good medicine for poison. While we are committed to leading all beings to enlightenment, we realize that we are not alone in our efforts. The protective deities and the Buddha himself are always working to benefit all beings. In our current capacities, we may not be able to reach everybody immediately. We should not let this discourage us. The least we can do is hope in our hearts for the happiness of all beings, even if they are not accessible to us.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Conceptual Summary
This painting interprets the sacred promise from Chapter Twenty-Eight of the Lotus Sutra, rendered in the classical Kamakura-period Buddhist art style. The visual narrative centers on the encounter between Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai) and Universal-Sage Bodhisattva (Fugen Bosatsu). On the right, Śākyamuni sits on an ornate tiered lotus throne, his golden halo radiating outward as he listens to the vows of his bodhisattva. To the left, Fugen Bodhisattva appears in majestic, adorned robes, riding his iconic six-tusked white elephant. He is depicted in a gesture of reverence, making his sacred vow to safeguard those who keep the sūtra.
In the bottom left, the natural world transition to rough, darker earth, capturing the "defiled world" and highlighting the small, humble monk practicing below—visualizing the "dirt under a fingernail" metaphor of the scarce devotees. Above the devotee, guardian deities (dharmapalas) emerge from swirling clouds with protective energy, manifesting Fugen's vow to defend the faithful. Subtle gold leaf, natural mineral pigments, and aged silk textures tie this grand assembly together, illustrating that while the practitioner seems alone on a vast earth, they are enveloped in the invisible, immense protection of the universe's great protectors.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai): Seated on the right upon a multi-tiered lotus throne, shown in a teaching gesture with radiant halos.
Universal-Sage Bodhisattva (Fugen Bosatsu): Seated on the left upon a majestic six-tusked white elephant, with hands in anjali mudra (prayer) to deliver his vow.
The Humble Practitioner: A small monk kneeling in prayer at the bottom left, representing the rare individuals practicing the Dharma in a defiled world.
Guardian Deities (Dharmapalas/Devas): Two armor-clad protectors surrounding the practitioner, symbolizing the unseen forces and protective aura promised by Fugen.
Item 2: Text Translations:
Kanji Signature ('双子座'): Gemini (literally "The Twins" or "Gemini" constellation)
Hanko Seal ('ジェミニ'): Gemini (written in Katakana script)
Thereupon Universal-Sage Bodhisattva said to the Buddha:
“World-Honored One! If anyone keeps this sūtra in the defiled world in the later five hundred years after [your extinction], I will protect him so that he may be free from any trouble, that he may be peaceful, and that no one may take advantage [of his weak points].”
Universal-Sage Bodhisattva (Fugen, Samantabhadra) makes this vow to the Buddha in Chapter Twenty-Eight of the Lotus Sutra. In this world of conflict, it can seem like very few people are practicing the Buddha Dharma with us. Nichiren compared those beings alive in this world of conflict to the amount of soil in the whole earth, while those who keep and practice the Lotus Sūtra are like the dirt under a fingernail. The vow of Universal-Sage reminds us that innumerable beings support our practice and that in turn, we support them with our practice.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Conceptual Summary
This 1:1 painting, executed in the style of Heian and Kamakura-period Japanese Buddhist art, visually narrates Chapter Seven of the Lotus Sūtra. It depicts the massive cosmic journey of the Brahma Kings leaving their luxurious palaces, shown nestled in the swirling clouds in the upper left, to pursue a newly appeared Buddha. The vast, starry void represents the "one thousand billion worlds," dotted with tiny cosmic realms, miniature tiered pavilions, and spiral galaxies rendered in soft mineral pigments and gold leaf. At the forefront, Brahma King Great Compassion (Bonten) leads a procession of celestial kings on colorful, auspicious clouds, gesturing toward a brilliant, piercing beam of golden light emanating from Shaka Nyorai (the historical Buddha) seated in the upper right. His serene presence signifies the ultimate destination of their spiritual quest. The worn silk texture and traditional patterns emphasize the reverence with which these creators search for the rare and precious Buddha Dharma.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
Brahma King Great Compassion (Daibon Ten’o): The leading deity at the forefront of the celestial cloud procession, adorned with elaborate robes, a crown, and a halo, gesturing forward in reverence.
Fellow Brahma Kings (Bonten): The retinue of celestial monarchs traveling alongside Great Compassion on the auspicious, multi-colored clouds.
Shaka Nyorai (Siddhartha Gautama / Historical Buddha): Seated on a jeweled lotus throne within a multi-layered golden halo in the upper-right corner, emanating the divine light sought by the traveling kings.
Item 2: Text Translations:
双子座 (in black ink, bottom right): "Gemini"
ジェミニ (inside the red square hanko seal): "Gemini"
Let us go even to the end of one thousand billion worlds,
And find the place from where this light has come.
A Buddha may have appeared somewhere in the universe
In order to save the suffering beings.
These verses are sung by the Brahma King Great Compassion in Chapter Seven of the Lotus Sūtra. He invites his fellow Brahma Kings, creators of entire worlds, to leave the luxury of their palaces to find a Buddha who is leading all beings to enlightenment. They value the Buddha’s words more than anything that they have created for themselves, and know how rare it is to encounter an enlightened being. These kings give us an example of how we can learn to treasure the Buddha Dharma.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Conceptual Summary
This traditional Japanese Buddhist painting (Butsuga) on aged, textured silk visually interprets Chapter Fifteen of the Lotus Sūtra, capturing the revelation of the "Bodhisattvas from underground" (Jiyū no bosatsu). At the upper right, Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai) sits on a majestic, multi-tiered lotus throne, gesturing with an expounding hand (Vitarka mudra) to declare that these countless beings are his own disciples from the remotest past. Seated reverently below him is Maitreya Bodhisattva (Miroku Bosatsu), who watches and receives this revelation with folded hands. The lower half of the composition is dominated by rugged, stylized earth fissures, out of which an endless host of haloed, prayerful Bodhisattvas gracefully emerge. Natural mineral pigments and gold-leaf details (kirikane) elevate this cosmic assembly, illustrating Nichiren’s teaching that the followers of the Lotus Sūtra are themselves these emergent Bodhisattvas, already present to teach the Dharma without waiting for an external savior.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai): The historical Buddha, seated at the upper right on a tiered lotus throne (rengeza), surrounded by an ornate halo (mandorla) and gesturing in a teaching pose (Vitarka mudra).
Maitreya Bodhisattva (Miroku Bosatsu): The future Buddha, shown in elaborate bodhisattva robes, jewelry, and a crown, seated lower and to the right of Śākyamuni, with hands joined in prayer (anjali mudra).
The Bodhisattvas from Underground (Jiyū no bosatsu): The vast multitude of nimbed (haloed) figures depicted rising and emerging from the natural fissures and splits in the earth below, clasping their hands and looking upward.
Item 2: Text Translations:
「双子座」 (Futago-za): The vertical handwritten Kanji signature in the bottom-right corner, which translates to "Gemini" (the zodiac sign/constellation).
「ジェミニ」 (Jemini): The red square seal (hanko) underneath the signature, which is the Katakana transliteration for "Gemini".
My words are true.
Believe me with all your hearts!
I have been teaching them
Since the remotest past.
The Buddha sings these verses to Maitreya Bodhisattva and others gathered to hear him teach in Chapter Fifteen of the Lotus Sūtra. Maitreya had never seen any of the other Bodhisattvas who sprang up from underground in this chapter, despite his memory of previous lives and other worlds. The Buddha explains that the beings who had just appeared are also his disciples and have come to spread this Wonderful Dharma in our world. Nichiren teaches that when he realized that he was an incarnation of Superior-Practice, the leader of the Bodhisattvas from underground, then all of us who follow Nichiren and continue to keep the Lotus Sūtra are the followers of Superior-Practice. We do not need to wait for someone to come to our world and lead us. The world does not need anyone other than those already here to teach the Dharma. We are the Bodhisattvas from underground.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com