Conceptual Summary
This 1:1 square composition, rendered in the traditional Japanese nihonga style with subtle gold leaf, visualizes the moment of transmission from Chapter Two of the Lotus Sutra. The illustration interprets Śākyamuni Buddha's declaration of fearlessness by depicting him performing the Abhaya Mudra (the gesture of reassurance), centered beneath the Bodhi tree. This serene presence embodies a state where greed and jealousy have been eliminated, leading to total fearlessness as described in the source text. He addresses his disciple Śāriputra, who kneels in reverence, looking up with complete reliance and belief. The composition emphasizes the contrast between worldly competition—hinted at by the vast and complex landscape below—and the calm, spiritual satisfaction offered by the Buddha's teachings. By utilizing mineral pigments on a silk texture, the image captures the historical and theological weight of this foundational Buddhist encounter, presenting Śākyamuni not merely as a historical figure but as a realized source of universal benefit.
Iconography & Character Identification
Item 1: Deities/Figures Featured: Śākyamuni Buddha (historical Buddha) is seated on the lotus throne, and his disciple Śāriputra is kneeling before him.
Item 2: Text Translations: The Kanji '双子座' in the bottom-left corner translates to "Gemini." The red square seal below contains the Katakana 'ジェミニ', which also translates to "Gemini."
I do not deceive
Those who believe me and rely on me.
I am not greedy or jealous
Because I have eliminated all evils.
Therefore, in the worlds of the ten quarters,
I am fearless.
The Buddha proclaims these verses to his disciple Śāriputra in Chapter Two of the Lotus Sutra. In this world of conflict, people believe that they must constantly strive to show that they are better than everyone else. Acquiring more material goods or a higher rank or position supposedly proves superiority. And if there is an encounter with someone who is better, that person must be brought down. What people do not realize that the source of greed and jealousy is fear. Like the Buddha, we too can eliminate our fears when we are satisfied with what we have and regard superior beings as a source of benefit.
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