Buddhist pantheon in Shasekishu: Shakamuni and his disciples

Abstract

The paper deals with Shasekishū (“Sand and Pebles Collection”, 1279–1283) as a source for studies in Japanese Kamakura Buddhism in its practical dimension. By examining the setsuwa tales in this collection, we may pose and answer questions about the role of diverse buddhas and bodhisattvas in Japanese Buddhist traditions, about the doctrinal bases and ritual practices of respective cults. The case studied in this article is Shakamuni Buddha worship in two aspects: as Indian Dharma transmission founder and as eternal teacher of universe (Shakamuni of Lotus sūtra). We also discuss the rakan (Buddha's disciples) cult and rituals centred on shari (śarīra, Buddha's relics).