Things to know from Sources of Japanese Tradition, chs. 13-14

Things to know from Sources of Japanese Tradition, chs.13-14

Chapter 13 1. How did Nichiren view the Lotus Sutra? How did his elevation of the Lotus Sutra connect him to earlier forms of Buddhism?

2. Compare and contrast Nichiren and Shinran, and the teachings of the Lotus School and the True Pure Land School.

3. To what extent did Nichiren's teachings emphasize their service to the nation?

4. Explain Nichiren's understanding of himself and his role in Japanese history? How did he conceive of "his destiny"?

Chapter 14

1. Note Eisai's "political" interpretation of Zen Buddhism in his "Propagation of Zen for the Protection of the State." How do his thoughts compare to those of Nichiren, Saicho?

2. What is the Zen attitude towards language, scriptures, and written teachings generally? How does this approach differ from that of earlier forms of Japanese Buddhism?

3. According to Dogen, in what does the true practice of Buddhism consist?

4. Explain the relationship between Muso Soseki, the Hojo regents, Go-Daigo, and Ashikaga Takauji? What does this relationship reveal regarding Zen and political power during the 14th century?