This thesis investigates the Shingon esoteric commentarial tradition on the text Shōji jissō gi, written by Kūkai (774-835). More specifically, it focuses on a selection of commentaries produced by...Show moreThis thesis investigates the Shingon esoteric commentarial tradition on the text Shōji jissō gi, written by Kūkai (774-835). More specifically, it focuses on a selection of commentaries produced by prominent Shingon thinkers between the thirteenth and early fifteenth centuries, in order to trace the contours of the tradition and its development during this period. After an assessment of the historical context and the functioning of the texts therein, it is suggested that these commentaries are primarily composed and used for the education of Shingon scholar priests during dharma lectures (dangi). It is also revealed that exegetical texts not only interpret the original text, but also connect it to contemporary concerns that are informed by doctrinal debate inside and outside the Shingon school. On the basis of these observations, it is proposed that a slight shift in methodology for the study of commentarial literature may be necessary.Show less
