Transformation of the Theory of the Good Teacher （zenchishiki 善知識） in Zonkaku’s Pure Land Thought

Abstract

The theory of the good teacher （zenchishiki 善知識） in the writings of Zonkaku （1290-1373） varies depending on when he wrote the texts. However, this fact has been over­looked in previous studies of Zonkaku’s thought, which have assumed that Zonkaku simply denied the idea of the spiritual power of a human master. In this paper, I examine Zonkaku’s writings in order to demonstrate how his thinking changed over time. The paper concludes that Zonkaku did not totally deny the idea of the good teacher as the enhanced spiritual status of a human master. In Zonkaku’s writings, we find a transformation in his understanding of the theory of the good teacher.