The Concept of “Buddha-Nature” in Women’s Salvation and Its Relationship to Japanese Buddhist Teachings on Menstruation

• Authors: Małgorzata Sobczyk

Abstracts

EN

This paper explores one aspect in the evolution of “buddha-nature” (busshō) in Japan within the context of Buddhist teachings regarding women’s salvation. “Buddha-nature”, symbolised by the lotus throne where buddhas and bodhisattvas reside, was fused with the notion of menstrual impurity due to syncretism with Shintō beliefs. The introduction of the Bloody Pond Sutra (Ketsubon-kyō) solidified discussions on menstruation’s origin, attributing menstrual impurity to women’s “mind” poisons. Practical manifestations of this complex idea included wearing chest talismans. This research sheds light on the evolving “Buddha-nature” concept in Japan and its implications for women’s spirituality.

Keywords

EN

buddha-nature; lotus throne; women in Buddhism; impurity; menstruation; Bloody Pond Sutra Ketsubon-kyō

• Publisher: Polska Akademia Nauk. Instytut Kultur Śródziemnomorskich i Orientalnych PAN
• Journal: Acta Asiatica Varsoviensia
• Year: 2023
• Issue: 36
• Pages: 229-244

Dates

published

2023

Contributors

author

Małgorzata Sobczyk

• Department of Oriental Studies of Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland

• https://orcid.org/0000000216971990

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Identifiers

Biblioteka Nauki

35055906