This paper examines Ryochū’s 良忠 view of Amida Buddha’s Pure Land, especially his interpretation of the kemangai 懈慢界 （the land of indolence）, in order to better understand the variety of Pure Land beliefs in the Kanto area during the Kamakura Era.
Among Hōnen’s followers, Ryōchū had a unique understanding of the “land of indolence,” established as a realm within Amida’s Pure Land. However, little research has been conducted to explain why Ryochū developed his interest in this topic. Some studies have pointed out that Ryōchū’s unique understanding of Hōnen’s teaching was developed through his doctrinal disputes with other Buddhist schools.
This paper compares Ryōchū’s ideas about kemangai with those found in other schools in order to clarify his relationship with other lineages and to understand the uniqueness of his interpretation.
