noun
manifestation theory; honji suijaku theory
A Buddhist-Shinto syncretic doctrine holding that Shinto kami are local manifestations (suijaku) of original Buddhist divinities (honji). Used in religious studies and historical contexts.
本地垂迹説は、日本の神仏習合を理解する上で重要な概念です。
The honji suijaku theory is an important concept for understanding the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan.
神仏習合 is the broader phenomenon of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, while 本地垂迹説 is a specific doctrinal theory within that framework.
From 本地 (honji, 'original ground', i.e., the Buddha's true form) + 垂迹 (suijaku, 'manifested trace') + 説 (setsu, 'theory'). The term originates in medieval Japanese Buddhism.