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The Dharma for Sovereigns and Warriors: Onjō-ji’s Claim for Legitimacy in Tengu zōshi

2002; Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture; Linguagem: Inglês

10.18874/jjrs.29.1-2.2002.35-66

0304-1042

Haruko Wakabayashi,

Chinese history and philosophy

One of the recurring themes depicted in the Tengu zoshi, a set of seven scrolls dated 1296, is the conflict among established temples of Nara and Kyoto. The present article focuses particularly on the dispute between Enryaku-ji (sanmon) and Onjo-ji (jimon) that took place during the thirteenth century as it is depicted in Tengu zoshi. The analysis of the texts, both visual and verbal, reveals that the scrolls are more sympathetic to Onjo-ji than Enryaku-ji. This is evident especially when the verbal texts of the Onjo-ji and Enryaku-ji scrolls are compared. Closer examination of the scrolls also shows that Onjo-ji claims superiority over all other established temples. This study shows how the scrolls reveal the discourse formed by the temples during disputes in the late Kamakura period in order to win support from political authorities. Tengu zoshi, therefore, in addition to being a fine example of medieval art, is also an invaluable source for historical studies of late Kamakura Buddhism.