BODHIRUCI 菩提流支, MYŌE 明恵, and others

Four Buddhist works in manuscript.

Each vol.: 159 x 184 mm. Five vols. Oblong 8vo, orig. wrappers, orig. paper ties. [Japan]: 1799 or later.

A collection of five manuscript volumes containing four Buddhist works, written in black and red ink with text in classical Chinese and occasional Japanese kunten reading marks, some Japanese text in kana, and Siddham characters. The collection contains:

1. Shogo dōjikyō 諸護童子経 [Sutra on the (Dhāraṇī for the) Protection of All Children]. A shortened title of the sutra known in Chinese as Hu zhu tongzi tuoluoni jing 護諸童子陀羅尼經 [Sutra on the Dhāraṇī for the Protection of All Children]. This sutra was translated by Bodhiruci 菩提流支 (d. 527 CE), “one of the most prolific translators of Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Chinese” (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism). This version contains 31 illustrations of fifteen “spirits” (kishin 鬼神), fifteen “demons” (oni 鬼), and another deity. 17 folding leaves.

2. Dōjikyō gyōhō shidai 童子経行法次第 [Order of the Ritual of the Sutra on the (Dhāraṇī for the Protection of All) Children], a manuscript for the enactment of an esoteric Buddhist ritual related to the preceding item. The final leaf, dated 1605, has been signed by Daisenbō Yūjitsu 大宣房宥實, with his date of 1799. As this is the latest date seen in the collection, Yūjitsu might have been the copyist of the entire set. 17 folding leaves.

3. Dōjikyō shosha kuyō sahō 童子経書写供養作法 [Method for Commemorating the Copying of the Sutra on the (Dhāraṇī for the Protection of All) Children] in two volumes. One of the volumes has a diagram with Siddham characters, preceded by a note signed Kanshū 勧秀 and dated 1411. At the end of the second volume a “Buddhist practitioner Yūshin” 仏子宥信at Hōshōji 宝聖寺 temple, has written a date of 1736. Three illus. in the text. 11; 16 folding leaves.

4. Jisei hassaikai ryaku sahō 自誓八斎戒略作法 [Summary Method on Agreeing to Abide by the Eight Precepts], by Myōe 明恵 (1173–1232). Books on the “eight precepts” (not taking life, not taking what is not given, etc.), such as this work, enjoyed a wide circulation in the early Tokugawa period (Fujitani et al.). On the final leaf, there are two dates. The first is 1224 with the name Kōben 高弁, a posthumous name of Myōe. The second colophon, again signed by Yūshin and dated 1736.

In fine and fresh condition.

References

Digital Dictionary of Buddhism. http://www.buddhism-dict.net

Fujitani Atsuo 藤谷厚生 et al. “Myōtō Jōe sen Kaihō zuishinki (hassaikai shō) ka honkoku to kaitai (san)” 妙幢浄慧撰『戒法随身記(八齋戒章)下』翻刻と解題（三） . Gakuen 学苑 965 (2021): 1-47.