Two Dreams : On Autobiography in Nihon-Ryoiki(Report from Third Meeting of Ancient Literature Section)

Abstract

Two dreams of sixth and seventh year of Enryaku are related in thirty-eighth tale which is the editor Kyokai's autobiography in the second volume of Nihon-Ryoiki. One is the instructive and speculative interpretation of dream in which Kwan'non responded to a wish to get out of poverty according to the teaching of Shami or Jidoso. The other is not on the worldly problem but on religious question how to die a peaceful death. Two dreams symbolized Kyokai's theme on life and death. In addition, cremation has an important meaning for Buddhist.