A Research Study of Medieval Shinto Texts Archived at the Shinpukuji Temple

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K00964
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 03020:Japanese history-related
• Research Institution: Waseda University
• Principal Investigator: TRENSON STEVEN 早稲田大学, 国際学術院, 准教授 (10595432)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 密教 / 中世神道 / 即位灌頂

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The present research focuses on the relationship between Esoteric Buddhism (Mikkyo) and Shinto during the medieval period in Japan. Concretely, it aims to clarify how medieval Shinto thought relates to the esoteric tradition of Daigoji. There are various beliefs and practices that characterize medieval Shinto, but one type of belief or practice that is especially interesting for the purpose of this study concerns the different types of abhisheka initiation or consecration rituals (kanjo). These are rituals in which a Buddhist master transmits various secrets about the emperor of Japan (tenno) and the Japanese gods (kami) to a disciple, to show the disciple the way to awakening. The present research revealed that the Shinto-related consecration rituals influenced by the esotericism of Daigoji emphasize the notions of the Buddha-Mother (butsumo) and the Jewel Woman (gyokunyo), besides relic and jewel beliefs.

Free Research Field

日本宗教史

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、中世日本における密教と神道の交流について考察するものであり、特に、密教学界で問題とされている醍醐寺の密教と中世神道との関係に一光を投じることを目標とした。研究目標を果たせるために即位灌頂及び神祇灌頂の世界に絞って考察を進めた。その結果、醍醐寺の密教も中世神道も『瑜祇経』の経説を重要視した点が判明した。具体的に言えば、『瑜祇経』は愛染王が仏母でもあり、仏・菩薩及び国王の妻（つまり、玉女）でもあると主張するが、中世密教の即位法はその仏母信仰を取り入れていた。これは中世密教における性と王権という問題及び『瑜祇経』の意義を再考することを促す重要な発見であると言える。