The Ruler's Realization: State Protection Buddhism and Shingon Ritual

Abstract

This thesis examines the Japanese Buddhist state protection ritual, the Goshichinichi no mishuhō (Mishuhō), introduced by the ninth century Buddhist monk Kūkai. Specifically, I propose that Kūkai nested within the ritual a practice based on the Ninnōkyō sutra, as a means of transforming the emperor in conformity with Buddhist philosophical aims as the proper means of protecting the state. My analysis focuses on Shingon Buddhist school’s ritual theory to explain why Kūkai suggested an additional ritual from those in use in Japan at the time. As part of that analysis, I draw from Kūkai’s work, Himitsu Mandara jūjūshinron (Jūjūshinron), to explain how Kūkai perceived the various texts utilized for state protection practices. Utilizing Kūkai’s own writings I explore Shingon ritual practice and theory relevant to the Mishuhō. Through these sources I consider the intended purpose of ritual meditation, its mechanism, and enunciated ideals relevant to the concept of conferring the benefits of ritual practice experientially upon another, in this case the emperor. An aspect of Kūkai’s theory holds that the efficacy of the ritual results not only in divine protection, but also a transformation of the ruler, in conformity with the goals of the underlying sutra. The later portion of this thesis considers the degree to which modern clinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of Buddhist practice and whether they parallel the goals of state protection texts. My analysis considers how Buddhist studies can benefit from considering the intended experience for, and benefit to, individual practitioners and society for the practice under consideration.