“Gods” and“ deities” in Nichiren: Characteristics and Developments

The term commonly used in Japanese for "gods" and "deities" is "jingi " an abbreviation for "heavenly gods and earthly deities " i .In Nichiren Writings, "jingi" or "heavenly gods and earthly deities" are used interchangeably."Jingi" are generally incorporated into the category of "guardian gods " ii although this last expression does not appear frequently in Nichiren Writings iii .In Nichiren denominations this has led to a strong interest in the Japanese indigenous deities, especially through "the faith in the 30 guardian gods iv " which have been practiced by various branches since the 14 th century at the latest.Particularly, the relationship between the religious systems of the founder and the Shint gods is still an important theme in researches on Nichiren Buddhism in Japan.In this essay I will clarify what place "gods" and "deities" occupy in Nichiren's worldview based on his interpretation of the Lotus Sutra.All bibliographical information about the indicated sources will be based mainly on The