What is 七仏宝号 (Shichibutsu-Hogo)?: Connecting with the Buddhas Through Time to Deepen Zen

七仏宝号 (Shichibutsu-Hogo): The Close Relationship between Zen and Nenbutsu

What is 七仏宝号(Shichibutsu-Hogo)?: It is the sacred names of the seven Buddhas who appeared before Shakyamuni Buddha

Key Point: Shichibutsu-Hogo is the practice of chanting the sacred names of the seven Buddhas who appeared before Shakyamuni Buddha. In this practice, we think of Shakyamuni Buddha as one of many people who reached enlightenment.

You might think it is strange that Zen Buddhism practices Nenbutsu, because we associate Nenbutsu with the Jodo sect. However, Zen was influenced by Jodo Buddhism at an early stage. Before coming to Japan, Zen merged with Jodo Buddhism in China. For example, the Tendai sect existed before Eisai and Dogen brought Zen to Japan, and they trained at Mt. Hiei (the Tendai sect). Because the Tendai sect was a “comprehensive Buddhism” that included all teachings, it treated both Zazen and Nenbutsu as parts of its practice. After that, Zen, which focuses on Zazen, was brought to Japan. In the Edo period, the Obaku sect, a new type of Zen, was brought from China. The Obaku sect practices Nenbutsu very strongly (Reference 1: Zen and Nenbutsu by Engaku-ji Temple, Reference 2: Zen-Jo Ichimi by Obaku-shu Hozo-zenji Temple).

In Buddhism, while Shakyamuni Buddha is focused on as the founder, it is interesting that there are many other people who have reached enlightenment. Shakyamuni Buddha is not an absolute leader, but is treated as one of many enlightened beings. The Mahayana scripture, “三千仏名経” (Sanzenbutsumyokyo,Sutra of the Names of Three Thousand Buddhas), states that one thousand Buddhas appear in the past, one thousand in the present, and one thousand in the future. There is a faith that wishes to wash away sins by chanting the names of these three thousand Buddhas. However, Shichibutsu-Hogo does not chant all three thousand, but only the representatives of the past and the present (Reference: I finished writing 現在賢劫千仏名経 by a personal blog).

List of the Seven Buddhas (Shichibutsu-Hogo)

1. 毘婆尸仏 (Vipasyin Buddha / Bibashi-butsu): 998th of the Past
2. 尸棄仏 (Sikhin Buddha / Shiki-butsu): 999th of the Past
3. 毘舎浮仏 (Visvabhu Buddha / Bishafu-butsu): 1000th of the Past
4. 倶留孫仏 (Krakucchanda Buddha / Kruson-butsu): 1st of the Present
5. 倶那含牟尼仏 (Kanakamuni Buddha / Kunagonmuni-butsu): 2nd of the Present
6. 迦葉仏 (Kasyapa Buddha / Kasho-butsu): 3rd of the Present
7. 釈迦牟尼仏 (Shakyamuni Buddha / Shakamuni-butsu): 4th of the Present

We chant the names of these Buddhas as representatives. In the original texts, “南無 (Namu)” means “to take refuge.”

The Core

• Zen is often considered too rigorous, so the practice of Nembutsu (chanting the Buddha’s name) has been incorporated as a supplement to Zazen.
• Shakyamuni Buddha is not viewed as an absolute figure, but rather as one of many who have attained enlightenment.
• The “Shichibutsu-Hogo” refers to the names of the seven Buddhas (the Seven Buddhas of the Past) who are said to have appeared before Shakyamuni Buddha.

My Experience: Nembutsu is a simpler way than Zazen to clear away distracting thoughts

Many who are interested in Zen may believe that one should only practice Zazen, as it is “pure” Zen. However, in my experience, relying solely on Zazen is a daunting reality. The claim that “Zazen alone is sufficient” often comes from those who have already achieved the level of a Zen master. I have come to realize that, for the rest of us, practicing Zazen alone is a path prone to frustration.

For example, we all face moments in daily life where distracting thoughts are unavoidable. In such cases, I have found that Nembutsu is a much simpler way to clear the mind than Zazen. While Zazen requires you to sit still, Nembutsu can be practiced even while standing or moving. It is said that the human mind cannot focus on two things at once. By chanting Nembutsu or sutras the moment a distraction arises, you can effectively displace those thoughts.