It is well known that the debate between Saichō and Tokuitsu during the early Heian period had great influence on Japanese Buddhism thereafter. However, its influence during their lifetime has yet to be investigated. In this paper, I examine an example showing that monks who lived during the same time period as Saichō and Tokuitsu did not know any of their points of argument. In conclusion, I point out the possibility that their debate hardly had any influence during their lives.
