The Imagery of Nichiren's Lotus Sutra: The Gohonzon - The Great Mandala of the True Dharma
Namu Taho Nyorai in Chinese
Just right of Nam
Myoho-renge-kyo on the Gohonzon is the phrase Namu
Taho Nyorai. (Gohonzon map here.)
is composed of two Chinese characters, Ta
Thus, Taho is commonly translated as "Many Treasures" or "Many Jewels".
The "many" comes from the
repetition in the Ta character.
The roof in Ho indicates something
that is hidden in a house and therefore not usually seen. It is a hidden
treasure. White jade strung together is a belt held by the master of the
house or clan. This is a treasure of riches and identity.
When we repeat (as Taho does) the 16th chapter of the Lotus Sutra, we reveal the treasures of our life. These treasures are both visible and invisible. . . Like the moon, which is both seen and unseen. Like jade in a house.
The Treasure Tower is our life itself.
"In essence, the appearance of the Treasure Tower indicates that the three groups of Shakyamuni's disciples attained enlightenment only when they heard the Lotus Sutra and perceived the Treasure Tower within their own lives. Now Nichiren's disciples are doing the same. In the Latter Day of the Law, there is no Treasure Tower other than the figures of the men and women who embrace the Lotus Sutra. It follows, therefore, that those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, irrespective of social status, are themselves the Treasure Tower and likewise they themselves are Taho Buddha."The seven jewels on the Treasure Tower are the senses that perceive the objective world. For this reason Taho represents objective reality and Shakyamuni represents subjective wisdom.
"The true aspect of all phenomena indicates the two Buddhas Shakyamuni and Taho [seated together in the Treasure Tower]. Taho represents all phenomena and Shakyamuni, the true aspect. The two Buddhas also indicate the two principles of the truth as object and the wisdom to grasp it. Taho signifies the truth , as object and Shakyamuni, the wisdom. Although these are two, they are fused into one in the Buddha's enlightenment."