Lot Essay
For a full discussion of the Lotus Sutra dedicated in 1667 see lot 338. The dedication scroll lists the Yanagihara Zen Dainagon Sukeyuki as the donor of this chapter.
In Chapter 10 (Hosshibon, or The Teacher of the Law) Shakyamuni Buddha is shown addressing the Medicine-King Bodhisattva, who kneels before him, hands pressed together in prayer. The Buddha explains that all men will attain enlightenment if they respect a copy of the Lotus Sutra by reading, reciting, expounding or copying even one phrase of the text. Or they may offer flowers, incense, necklaces, incense powder, incense to burn, canopies, banners, streamers, garments and music to it, or just join their hands respectfully towards it.
A careful perusal of the frontispiece illustration will reveal most of these offerings and activities. In the upper right, for example, is an altar with flowers and incense. A canopy and a banner flutter overhead. A small handdrum floats above, and flower petals fill the heavens. Four patchwork monks' garments (kesa) are laid out on the ground around the altar. Below are lay figures praying to the Buddha, a man transcribing the text of the Lotus Sutra, devotees listening to a monk expound the sutra, and others listening to a lay figure who holds up and reads from one scroll of the sutra text.
In Chapter 10 (Hosshibon, or The Teacher of the Law) Shakyamuni Buddha is shown addressing the Medicine-King Bodhisattva, who kneels before him, hands pressed together in prayer. The Buddha explains that all men will attain enlightenment if they respect a copy of the Lotus Sutra by reading, reciting, expounding or copying even one phrase of the text. Or they may offer flowers, incense, necklaces, incense powder, incense to burn, canopies, banners, streamers, garments and music to it, or just join their hands respectfully towards it.
A careful perusal of the frontispiece illustration will reveal most of these offerings and activities. In the upper right, for example, is an altar with flowers and incense. A canopy and a banner flutter overhead. A small handdrum floats above, and flower petals fill the heavens. Four patchwork monks' garments (kesa) are laid out on the ground around the altar. Below are lay figures praying to the Buddha, a man transcribing the text of the Lotus Sutra, devotees listening to a monk expound the sutra, and others listening to a lay figure who holds up and reads from one scroll of the sutra text.