A Discussion between Hōnen and Eikū

Abstract

It is said that Hōnen 法然 （1133-1212） became a disciple of Eikū 叡空 （?-1179） in the sixth year of Kyūan 久安 （1150） at the age of 18, a relationship that lasted for 29 years until Eikū’s death in the third year of Jishō 治承 （1179）. It is well known that during these 29 years of their master-disciple relationship, the two often discussed the significance of Kanshō 観称 in association with the action of attaining rebirth Ōjō no go 往生の業.

In this paper, the author aims to clarify when this discussion emerged between Eikū and Hōnen. Having read the Guanjing shu 観経疏 of Shandao 善導 （613-681） eight times, Hōnen had perceived the idea of “Ikkō senju ni kisu 一向専修に帰す,” in which he realized that Ōjō no go is nothing other than the practice of shōmyō 称名, the recitation of the name of Amitābha. The author concludes that their discussion about Kanshō emerged sometime after the fifth year of Jōan 承安 （1175）.