The Importance of Kōden in the Establishment of Identity : The Title of the Dainichikyō in the Opening Sequence of the Hizōki

Abstract

The various lineages of Esoteric Buddhism in Japan all have their identity based on tradition, history, and selected preferences in doctrine and ritual. This article describes how identity-definition may take place in the instrcution courses of the priests called koden. As example, the mention of the title of the Dainichikyo as the first line of the influential Hizoki is presented with a number of possible explanations. The range of the subjects that are touched upon warrants further research into the actual training of the priests and into the way they shape their ritual work which is supportive of set notions in Japanese society.