A Study of Engetsu’s Theory of Practice and Faith

Abstract

This paper examines how Engetsu’s 円月 doctrinal disputes with Zenkai 善海 influenced the development of Engetsu’s theory of practice and faith. In this dispute, Zenkai criticized Gesshu’s 月珠 theory of practice and faith. Gesshu was Engetsu’s master and Engetsu responded to the criticism in place of Gesshu. Zenkai’s criticism contained three major points, the most important being that the virtue of myōgō 名号 lies only in the invocation of Amitābha’s Name, shōmyō 称名. Engetsu responded by emphasizing that the virtues of myōgō are not only contained in the invocation of Amitābha’s Name but embraced in gonen 五念 (five gates of mindfulness). Engetsu emphasized a point that differed from Gesshu on the idea of practice and faith. This difference may be regarded as the development of ideas of practice and faith from Gesshu to Engetsu.