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The Imagery of Nichiren's Lotus
Sutra - Other Characters of Interest to Buddhists
Jogyo
in Chinese
Jo
Gyo
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"When
Bodhisattva Jogyo emerged from the earth, he leapt forth joyfully, and
when Bodhisattva Fugen arrived, the ground trembled in six directions."
—"Great
Evil and Great Good," Major Writings, Vol. 5, p. 161
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Jogyo
is Superior (True) Action. His name is Vishishracharitra in Sanskrit.
(Try pronouncing his Sanskrit name and you will know one of the reasons
I prefer Chinese.)
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Jo
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Jo
means above the mark or superior.
The bottom line indicates the median; the horizontal line above it is the
mark above the median. This is the character used to indicate "High" of
"High Priest" (Shonin). A different "sho" character is used in the word
"Daishonin.
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Gyo
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Gyo
is composed of two characters: Chi
and Chu:
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Chi
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Chi
on the left is the left foot.
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Chu
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Chu
on the right is the right foot.
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Gyo
indicates behavior, practice, conduct. It is the same Gyo
used in Gongyo.
Thus,
Jogyo
represents the activity of the True Self. The conduct of the True Self
is the leader of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Only our true selves receive
and transmit the Mystic Law.
"Now
Nichiren and his disciples who chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo are Bodhisattvas
of the Earth. The benefits of the four Bodhisattvas are as follows: the
natural function of fire is to burn things [Jogyo], that of water to purify
[Jyogyo], that of wind to blow away dust and dirt [Muhengyo], and that
of the earth to nourish plants and trees [Anryugyo]. These are the roles
of the four bodhisattvas. Though the roles of the four bodhisattvas are
different, they are all the practice of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo."
—Gosho Zenshu, p. 751
Updated 6/7/06
Copyright 2002
Imagery of Nichiren's Lotus Sutra website
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