and somewhat luminous." [Fig. 3]

The explanation of the Seven Appearances which is given by the
Sho-Eko-Ho-Kwan cannot be called satisfactory; but it is not
without interest in relation to Japanese popular Buddhism. The
emblems are considered in the following order:--

I.--The Svastika. The figure upon each toe is said to be a
modification of the manji (4); and although I doubt whether this
is always the case, I have observed that on some of the large
kakemono representing the footprints, the emblem really is the
svastika,--not a flamelet nor a flower-shape.(5) The Japanese
commentator explains the svastika as a symbol of "everlasting
bliss."
II.--The Fish (Gyo). The fish signifies freedom from all
restraints. As in the water a fish moves easily in any direction,
so in the Buddha-state the fully-emancipated knows no restraints
or obstructions.
III.--The Diamond-Mace (Jap. Kongo-sho;--Sansc. "Vadjra").
Explained as signifying the divine force that "strikes and breaks
all the lusts (bonno) of the world."
IV.--The Conch-Shell (Jap. "Hora ") or Trumpet. Emblem of the
preaching of the Law. The book Shin-zoku-butsu-ji-hen calls it
the symbol of the voice of the Buddha. The Dai-hi-kyo calls it
the token of the preaching and of the power of the Mahayana
doctrine. The Dai-Nichi-Kyo says:--" At the sound of the blowing
of the shell, all the heavenly deities are filled with delight,
and come to hear the Law."
V.--The Flower-Vase (Jap. "Hanagame"). Emblem of muro,--a
mystical word which might be literally rendered as "not-