The Great Mandala

The primary object of concentration for Nichiren Shu Buddhits is the Gohonzon or Great Mandal. “Go” is an honorific prefix, and “honzon” means object of concentration. It is a calligraphic representation of the ceremony in the sky, as described in chapters 11-22 in the Lotus Sutra. There are two teaching locations in the Lotus Sutra: one on Mt. Sacred Eagle in Eastern India and one in the sky where the congregation is lifted to hear the Buddha teach from inside the Stupa of Treasures.

The stupa was brought by another Buddha, Many-Treasures Tathagata (Buddha). That Tathagata came to Mt. Sacred Eagle in a great tower to hear the teaching of the Lotus Sutra. The entire teaching is condensed into the Odaimoku, or sacred tile of the Lotus Sutra, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.

The Odaimoku is written in the center of the Mandala, with the Buddha positioned to the left side (looking at the Mandala) and Many-Treasures Tathagata on the right side. The rest of the Mandala comprises the names of disciples, deities, bodhisattvas, shravakas, pratyekabuddhas, devas, kings, kami, and representatives of the ten worlds of consciousness.

There are other meanings to the Mandala and also each practitioner’s personal associations. Ultimately, the Madala is employed as an object of concentration. It can be studied, interpreted, or enjoyed as a resting point during meditation and daily service. It’s up to each person to decide whether to know the deepest details or just be near it.

Gassho,

Ryumon