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영어

Kenji Miyazawa’s works are deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy, particularly Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. His fairy tales convey teachings from major Buddhist scriptures, such as the Lotus Sutra, and are often categorized as “Buddhist literature.” Although Kenji was raised in a Pure Land Buddhist family, he later converted to Nichiren Buddhism. This study explores the reasons for his conversion, its impact on his worldview, and the evolution of his literary works. Focusing on 『Porcelain Berry and the Rainbow』 and its later revision, 『Marivron and the Girl』, this study examines their philosophical elements. 『Porcelain Berry and the Rainbow』 highlights the cosmic significance of nature, reflecting Pure Land Buddhism’s focus on self-salvation. In contrast, 『Marivron and the Girl』 shifts to human-centered narratives, emphasizing Nichiren Buddhism’s active teachings on effort and propagation. These revisions align with Kenji’s transformation during his conversion period. By analyzing these two works, this study demonstrates how Kenji’s evolving religious consciousness shaped his artistic expression. The characters embody themes of coexistence, missionary effort, and universal salvation, resonating with Mahayana and Theravada philosophies. Ultimately, Kenji’s works represent a unified vision of achieving enlightenment and true power through both individual and collective action.