『法華經』에서 ‘功德의 果報’로 나타나는 ‘天華’의 의미 연구

Abstract

『Saddharmapuṇḍarīka sūtra』 was named after a type of lotus, which accounts for most of the Heavenly Flowers. Also, Heavenly Flowers were used as a subject of metonymy throughout the chapters of sūtra. When preaching about the retribution of Teacher of the Law's deeds, Heavenly Flowers were mentioned and semanticized as a mean for purification of six faculties. 『Saddharmapuṇḍarīka sūtra』 is the completion of open-mindedness regarding the ultimate of Buddhism, and is known for using various metaphors and expedients to maximize public understanding. Structurally, 『Saddharmapuṇḍarīka sūtra』 first reveals the central thesis through [The chapter on ‘Expedient Devices’] and [The Chapter on ‘Duration of Life of the Tathāgata’]. After comes [The Chapter on ‘Distinction of Benefits’] that explains the meaning of asceticism charity. It is then followed by [The Chapter on‘The Benefits of Joyful Acceptance], which explains the causes of virtue, and [The Chapter on ‘The Benefits of the Teacher of the Law’], which tells the effects of virtue. Throughout the whole sūtra, from the central thesis to the asceticism and charity, a strong correlation is found between the frequency of Heavenly Flowers mentioned and the closeness to the central thesis. This implies the significance of the Heavenly Flowers. Popularity is essential for a plant to become a subject of metaphor or quotation in the essays. Heavenly Flowers, which is imbued with a great importance in 『Saddharmapuṇḍarīka sūtra』 is commonly used in the devotional observance for its fragrance, and is known for its sacredness and practicality due to the visual effect it contains. In case of 『Saddharmapuṇḍarīka sūtra』, few types of lotus and Heavenly Flowers takes the majority of the entire plants included in the sutra, and considering that the sutra focuses on the public understanding and distribution via metaphors and expedients, it could be seen as a natural result to utilize the Heavenly Flowers as a plant of intimate surrounding.