Zonkaku (1290-1373) was the fourth generation descendant of Shinran, the founder of the Jodoshin school of Japanese Buddhism. He traveled throughout Japan with his father Kakunyo, and wrote many books to spread Shinran's doctrine.
This paper will analyze his reason for writing the Hoonki. Zonkaku believed that filial piety in Buddhism is better than filial piety in Confucianism. In Confucianism filial piety brings happiness in this life, but in Buddhism filial piety brings happiness in both this life and the life to come. Nembutsu is the best expression of filial piety.
