Honzon

Honzon (本尊, "fundamental honored [one]"), sometimes referred to as a Gohonzon (ご本尊 or 御本尊), is the enshrined main image[1] or principal deity[2] in Japanese Buddhism.

[4] A honzon that takes the form of a statue is called a Butsuzō (仏像) or Honzonbutsu (本尊仏),[5] most likely crafted out of cypress wood or metal such as copper or bronze.

When Kūkai introduced Shingon Esoteric Buddhism and its Buddhist Pantheon to Japan in the 9th century, the statuary worship practices found in China were incorporated.

[citation needed] In the Jōdo Shinshū school of Pure Land Buddhism, under the leadership of Honen and Shinran, the use of "honzon" became more prevalent.

In the Rissho Kosei Kai members receive and practice to a honzon enshrined in their homes they label a "Daigohonzon".

He is often attended by other Bodhisattvas and arhats such as statues of Kannon (Avalokitesvara), Yakushi (Bhaishajyaguru), Jizō (Kshitigarbha), or Miroku (Maitreya).