Abstract
The Soto Sect (_??__??__??_) was spread through all of Japan by Meiho Sotetsu (_??__??__??__??_, 1277-1350) and Gasan Joseki (_??__??__??__??_, 1276-1366), pupils of Keizan Jokin (_??__??__??__??_, 1268-1325). Among Gasan Joseki's followers, Taigen Sosin (_??__??__??__??_, ?-1371), Tsugen Jakurei (_??__??__??__??_, 1322-1391), Mutan Sokan (_??__??__??__??_, ?-1387), Daitetsu Sorei (_??__??__??__??_, 1333-1408) and Jippo Ryoshu (_??__??__??__??_, ?-1405), developed Soujiji (_??__??__??_) in Noto (_??__??_) as a home base.
Here I would like to fbcus on Taigen Sosin's pupil Sekichyu Eisan (_??__??__??__??_, ?-1487?).
After becoming a priest and walking throughout the land when young, Eisan became Senso Esai (_??__??__??__??_, ?-1475)'s pupil, and erected the temple Choshoin (_??__??__??_) with the patronage of Kawai Munetada (_??__??__??__??_), master of the center of Matsuba castle (_??__??__??__??_). Eisan also lived in Ichiunsai (_??__??__??_) and Daitouin (_??__??__??_).
Attention was drawn to Eisan in the Shizuoka prefectural history (_??__??__??__??__??__??_) where we read that Iwao Nakada (_??__??__??__??_) of Tokyo University Historiographical Institute credits Eisan as the author of the Ninten ganmokusho (_??__??__??__??__??__??__??_).
Therefore I would like to discuss Eisan's life and the problem of the Ninten ganmokusho.
