『宇津保物語』における秘琴の信仰的な様相

Abstract

The belief elements related to Kin(琴) in Utsuho Monogatari are represented not only by Confucian d of philosophical thought of Reigaku(礼楽), but also by various faith. Especially, Buddhist elements and folk belief elements in Hikin(秘琴) are set as a device to express the divinity of Kin, which Toshikage enjoyed as a literary person, the writer in Utsuho Monogatari, became a spiritual character of Hikin with the process transferred from Hashikoku(波斯国)to Seven Hermit(七仙人). Thus, the spirituality of Hikin acquired by the genealogy of celestial beings in the Toshikage family functions as a means to confront to the sovereign right or as a means of representing the superiority of the Familly. The magical and spiritual character of this Hikin is based on the civil character of ancient Japan, and various Buddhist elements are evident in castaway story of Toshikage and tradition process of Hikin. In other words, the connection between Toshikage and Hikin has its origin in Kannon Faith, and the secret music, which is passed on to Toshikage, can be said to be the music of Paradise Pure Land. In particular, the genealogical setting that Toshikage is a descendant of celestial beings is based on the philosophy of Rinne(a belief in reincarnation) and acts as a factor for predicting the glory of the Toshikage family by Hikin and the sacredness of Toshikage family. On the other hand, the magical and spiritual character of Hikin is mixed with these Buddhist elements as well as the folk faith elements. The magical aspect of Hikin seen in ancient myths and fables is based on Myung Hyun Faith(鳴絃信仰), which ring the string of the bow and calls the God. In Utsuho Monogatari, when this Myung Hyun Faith is applied to Kin and Toshikage family is in danger, it has a magical function of playing Kin by calling God and protecting Toshikage.