Extant copies of Hōnen’s main work, Senjaku Hongan Nembutsushū （選択本願念仏集）, are broadly classified into two types: extended texts （kōhon 広本）, and abbreviated texts （ryakuhon 略本）. There is a theory that the extended version was compiled by Hōnen’s disciples. Ryochū 良忠 introduced this theory, and then took the stand that the abbreviated version should be given greater significance. However, it is also known that he actively quoted from the expanded text in his writings. In order to understand Ryōchū’s somewhat contradictory attitude to the two versions of the Senjakushu, I focus on the lives of Benchō 弁長 and Chōsai 長西, who had a great influence on Ryochū’s works.
