Buddha (nyorai)
Tahōbutsu
多宝仏
Tahōbutsu is a buddha of the past who appears in the Ken Hōtō-bon chapter of the Lotus Sutra. It is told that he made a vow to make a jeweled stupa (hōtō) appear wherever the Lotus Sutra is preached and to bear witness to its teaching. If he is understood only as meaning one who gives much wealth, his role in the sutra is lost.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Tahōbutsu, who bears witness to the truth of the teaching
Tahōbutsu is a buddha of the past who appears in the Ken Hōtō-bon chapter of the Lotus Sutra. It is told that he made a vow to make a jeweled stupa (hōtō) appear wherever the Lotus Sutra is preached and to bear witness to its teaching. If he is understood only as meaning one who gives much wealth, his role in the sutra is lost.
Source: 広済寺
Sharing a seat with Shaka inside the jeweled stupa
A great jeweled stupa appears where Shaka is preaching, and the voice of Tahōbutsu is heard from inside. When the stupa is opened, Tahōbutsu gives half of his seat to Shaka, and the two buddhas sit side by side. This scene is the background to depictions that enshrine Shaka and Tahō side by side.
Source: 広済寺
Related shrines and temples
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：多宝仏」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 広済寺「法華経解説：見宝塔品第十一」（2026-10-15 確認）