Conceptual Summary
This 1:1 square composition on silk visually interprets the severe warnings and hierarchical distinctions made by Nichiren in his "Response to My Lady the Nun." The central focus is Shaka Nyorai (Sakyamuni Buddha), who embodies the Buddha's highest teaching by holding the Lotus Sutra scroll, from which a vast, radiant light emanates. This light illuminates the path of merit for his assembled disciples and lay followers, including the Nun (Myoho-Renge-Kyo). In stark contrast, the image illustrates the "crime of slandering the True Dharma" by placing other, inferior sutras on par with the Lotus Sutra. Below and to the side, monks and their followers who follow these inferior teachings are shown plummeting "as speedily as a flying arrow" into the fierce, stylized torments of hell. The image excludes Amida and Dainichi Nyorai to focus on Nichiren's emphasis on Shaka Nyorai and the unique status of the Lotus Sutra, avoiding syncretic iconography to highlight this theological absolute.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured:
The primary central deity is Shaka Nyorai (Sakyamuni Buddha), distinguished by his blue-black spiral curls and simple monastic robes, holding the Lotus Sutra. He is surrounded by attending Bodhisattvas (such as Monju and Fugen, often accompanying Shakyamuni), numerous celestial figures, disciples (monks), and a group of lay followers, including a female figure representing My Lady the Nun (Ama Gozen). Below them are falling figures (both monks and laity) descending into hell.
Item 2: Text Translations:
Kanji signature: 双子座 (Futagoza) - Translation: "Gemini"
Seal text (katakana): ジェミニ (Jemini) - Translation: "Gemini"
(Additional Text present in image): Small text '謗法' (Hōbō) - Translation: "Slandering the Dharma" / "Slander of the Law"
If a person born a commoner states that he is equal to a samurai, he is bound to be punished. If he states that he is equal to or superior to the king, it is not only he himself but also his parents, wife, and children who are bound to be punished. If those who believe that some other sutra is the same as or superior to the Lotus Sutra according to what they believe without knowing the comparative superiority of the sutras, they are happy because their sutras are being praised. However, it will be a crime of slandering the True Dharma, for which priests and their disciples, as well as their lay followers, will all go to hell as speedily as a flying arrow. On the contrary, to say that the Lotus Sutra is superior to all other sutras is no crime at all. Instead it will be an act of great merit because it is so stated in the sutras.
Nichiren wrote this passage in his Response to My Lady the Nun, Mother of Lord Ueno (Ueno-dono Haha-ama Gozen Gohenji). In other writings, Nichiren explains that the superiority of the Lotus Sutra is not due to some inherent magical power it has to get us what we want. The superiority of the Lotus Sutra comes from its embodiment of the Buddha’s highest teaching, the revelation of his Ever-Present existence, and the ability of the Lotus Sūtra to lead all beings to enlightenment.
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