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[Anonymous]

The '''Rishu-kyō''' (理趣経), formally known as ''Prajñāpāramitā-naya-śatapañcaśatikā'' (般若波罗蜜多理趣百五十颂), is a Buddhist esoteric scripture. It is considered an abridged version of the Rishu Kogyo, the sixth assembly of the eighteen assemblies within the Vajrasekhara Sutra (金刚顶経). It is primarily recited in the various branches of the Shingon (真言宗) sect as a standard scripture.

It is also referred to as the Adhyardhaśatikā ''Prajñāpāramitā'' (百五十颂般若) or ''Prajñā Rishukyō'' (般若理趣経).

In Shingon Buddhism, the version translated by Amoghavajra (''Dairaku Kongō Fukū Shinjitsu Sanmaya Kyō'', 大楽金刚不空真実三摩耶経, Taishō Tripiṭaka No. 243) from 763 to 771 CE, is the most widely recited. This text is considered an adaptation of the “Prajñā Sūtras” lineage, further developed into an esoteric scripture by a group that compiled the Vairocanābhisaṃbodhi Sūtra|Mahāvairocana-sūtra. Other similar texts include a version translated by Xuanzang.

==Overview==
The scripture is associated with the Prajñā Sūtras but is often viewed as part of the esoteric scriptures of the Mahayana tradition. The term "Rishu" means "path," representing the "path to attain the wisdom of prajñā." Unlike other esoteric texts that emphasize specific practices, the Rishukyō does not elaborate on such methods, making it an accessible introduction to esoteric Buddhism for the general public.

In Shingon Buddhism, it is a common practice to chant the Rishukyō daily, emphasizing the merits of recitation. Unlike other scriptures within the Vajraśekhara or Mahāvairocana Sūtra traditions, the Rishukyō explicitly describes the benefits of recitation, which is why it is used as a daily scripture. The use of Chinese pronunciations (kan-on) rather than the more common Japanese (go-on) pronunciation reflects the period when this text was introduced to Japan.

===Structure===
The Rishu-kyō is composed of 17 chapters excluding the introduction and the concluding part:
# The Chapter of the Great Bliss (Vajrasattva)
# The Chapter of Realization (Vairocana)
# The Chapter of Subjugation (Sakyamuni)
# The Chapter of Contemplation (Avalokitesvara)
# The Chapter of Wealth (Akasagarbha)
# The Chapter of Action (Vajrasaṅdhi)
# The Chapter of the Syllable Wheel (Manjusri)
# The Chapter of Entering the Great Wheel
# The Chapter of Offering
# The Chapter of Wrathful Protection
# The Chapter of Universal Gathering (Samantabhadra)
# The Chapter of Blessings
# The Chapter of the Heavenly Mothers
# The Chapter of the Three Brothers
# The Chapter of the Four Sisters
# The Chapter of the Four Paramitas
# The Chapter of the Deep Secret

Each chapter includes specific mantras and mudras for practitioners.

===Seventeen Pure Statements===
Shingon Buddhism emphasizes "intrinsic purity," similar to the innate enlightenment philosophy of the Tendai school. The Rishukyō asserts that human actions are fundamentally pure, based on this concept.

The first chapter, the Path of Great Bliss, contains seventeen verses known as the "Seventeen Pure Statements." These affirm that various human experiences and desires are inherently pure and part of the Bodhisattva path, including intimate relationships and sensual experiences, which the text interprets as pure spiritual states.

==Historical Development==
The Rishukyō has been central to Shingon practice and has undergone various interpretations. During the Kamakura period, some esoteric groups misinterpreted its teachings, leading to its suppression by the authorities. The text remains a significant scripture in Shingon and other Japanese Buddhist sects, emphasizing the merits of recitation for both spiritual and practical benefits.

Vajrayana
Buddhist tantras
Shingon Buddhism
Vairocana