Hōnen’s View of the Pure Land in the Tamemori Hosshin Innenshū 為盛発心因縁集

Abstract

The Tamemori Hosshin Innenshū 為盛発心因縁集 is a story about the dialogue between Tsunoto 津戸 and Hōnen 法然. The date and author of this book are unknown, and previous studies have not fully examined the contents of the dialogue. In previous studies I have considered this book to be a story formed while accepting Hōnen’s teachings. In this article, I focus again on the Pure Land philosophy described in the Tamemori Hosshin Innenshū, and compare it with Hōnen’s Buddhist sermons. This story describes in detail the Pure Land philosophy that Hōnen did not originally actively preach, such as the relationship between Bodhisattvas and those who aspire to rebirth, and the appearance of the Pure Land of Amitābha. It is conceivable that Hōnen’s view of the Pure Land was reconstructed while accepting various scriptures and materials. It can be surmised that the background of Hōnen’s view of the Pure Land described in the story was to inspire not only Tsunoto but also those who enjoyed the story.