Research Agenda

Project 2: Philosophical Study of the Lotus Sutra

This study is comprised of six aspects. They are:

1. Significance of the philosophy of the Lotus Sutra in modern times.
2. Nichiren's understanding of the Lotus Sutra.
3. Soka Gakkai's interpretation of the Lotus Sutra in the modern age.
4. Annotations on the Lotus Sutra in China centering on the three major writings of T'ien-t'ai (Chih-i, approx. 538-597):
   • The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra
   • Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra
   • Great Concentration and Insight
5. Dengyo's (767-822) perspective of the Lotus Sutra.
6. Cultural influence of the Lotus Sutra on Japan

Research on the above, conducted in 1999, by Hiroshi Kannno, IOP researcher, resulted in publications (Japanese) such as:

• The Philosophy and Culture of the Lotus Sutra in Japan (Toyo gakujutu kenkyu--Vol.38, N0.2, IOP)
• A Comparison of Shiy's and Jizang's Views of the Lotus Sutra: Did Zhiyi, After All, Advocate a "Lotus Absolutism"? (The Annual Report of Soka University International Buddhist Studies Advanced Research Institute No. 3, 2000)
• Research on the Chinese Annotations on the Lotus Sutra in Japan (Chugai Nippo, December 9, 1999)
• Compilation No. 7 of the Notes and Commentaries of the Lotus Sutra/The Lotus Sutra Abridged Version (Okura Shuppan, 2000)