@article{ART001686014},
author={MyungJae Moon},
title={The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』},
journal={日本硏究},
issn={1229-6309},
year={2012},
number={33},
pages={121-137},
doi={}
TY - JOUR
AU - MyungJae Moon
TI - The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』
JO - 日本硏究
PY - 2012
VL - null
IS - 33
PB - The Center for Japanese Studies
SP - 121
EP - 137
SN - 1229-6309
AB - This study looks into a lifelong history of Genshin who had a decisive effect on the development of Jodo Buddhism, the Pure Land Buddhism in Japan, putting a history of Buddhism aside. Above all, this paper figures out the meaning of Seungdo, and then analyzes his family background including his mother’s rebirth and his sister Gansai’s story of Buddhist practice. The fact that three members of his family had rebirth in the Pure Land shows their unusual devotion and extraordinary practices toward Buddhism. All such environments may affect implicitly Genshin’s practice of the Buddha way.
In addition, sacred image is given to Genshin by the precognitive dream about his birth getting a marble from the abbot of Dakaoji and the dream of receiving a divine message about Yokawa on Hiesan as a temple for his practice. The dream about a blurred mirror is interpreted as the initial step toward a saint.
Gwaneum, Bisamuncheon, Mamyeong, Yongsu Bosal, and Dengyo Daishi appeared in Genshin’s dream, when he compiled his practice and thought into the Ichijoyoketsu, Essentials of the One Vehicle Teaching and the Ojoyoshu, Essentials of Birth in the Pure Land. It confirms the position of Genshin as a person carrying on the Buddha-dharma of Hiesan with mystique.
Lastly, the conversation between Genshin and Gyoyou implies a sincere desire for rebirth in the Pure Land of the Amita Buddha.
Auspicious purple clouds after his death are the sign of his rebirth. Especially, the emergence of Gwaneum Bosal, Hyeopsi Bosal of Amitabha Buddha, proves that he realized his desire for rebirth in the Pure Land of the Amita Buddha.
KW - folktail;Buddhist monk of high virtue;Konzakumonogatarisyu;be reincamated in paradise
DO -
ER -
MyungJae Moon. (2012). The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』. 日本硏究, 33, 121-137.
MyungJae Moon. 2012, "The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』", 日本硏究, no.33, pp.121-137. Available from: doi:
MyungJae Moon "The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』" 日本硏究 33 pp.121-137 (2012) : 121.
MyungJae Moon. The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』. 2012; 33 : 121-137. Available from: doi:
MyungJae Moon. "The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』" 日本硏究 no.33(2012) : 121-137.doi:
MyungJae Moon. The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』. 日本硏究, 33, 121-137. doi:
MyungJae Moon. The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』. 日本硏究. 2012; 33 121-137. doi:
MyungJae Moon. The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』. 2012; 33 : 121-137. Available from: doi:
MyungJae Moon. "The Lives of Genshin in『Konzakumonogatarisyu』" 日本硏究 no.33(2012) : 121-137.doi:
