Mongaku's Rules for a Revived Temple
The 45 Articles of Mongaku (written by Fujiwara no Tadachika) (文覚四十五箇条起請文〈藤原忠親筆〉) is a scroll of 45 articles laid down on the 19th day of the first month of 1185 by Mongaku, who revived Jingoji in Umegahata Takao-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; it is held by Jingoji and was designated a National Treasure on March 20, 1954.
According to Jingoji, it was written out by Nakayama Tadachika (Fujiwara no Tadachika), author of the diary Sankaiki. The Agency for Cultural Affairs records that it bears the handprints and a postscript in the hand of the cloistered emperor Go-Shirakawa.
Why It Is a National Treasure
Jingoji explains that the document first recounts how the temple was rebuilt with the help of Go-Shirakawa and Minamoto no Yoritomo, then sets out in minute detail the rules everyone in the temple was to observe, starting with the article that the monks be of one mind, and covering study and practice, the discipline of temple affairs and the management of temple estates. It is the charter Mongaku drew up to guide the temple he had restored from ruin.
What makes it remarkable is that Go-Shirakawa pressed his own vermilion-inked palm onto the start and end of the scroll and added five lines of his own writing at the end, according to the temple. It records medieval temple discipline and the circumstances of the revival while preserving the physical trace of the emperor's hand, which makes it unique among old documents.
What to Look For
Look first for the vermilion handprints at the beginning and end, where the shape of the emperor's palm is pressed directly onto the paper.
The postscript at the end, as Jingoji reads it, praises Mongaku's 45 articles as an immense vow for the flourishing of the Buddhist law and says that, his heart moved and wishing to form a bond, the emperor adds his handprints as proof for later generations. His endorsement is given both in words and in the mark of his hand.
Seeing the Document
According to Jingoji's annual events listing, the temple holds its mushiharai airing of treasures in the shoin from May 1 to 5 each year. Mushiharai is the custom of airing treasures to protect them from insects, and treasures are shown to the public on this occasion. What is displayed varies from year to year, so check with the temple. Jingoji's website is served over http, and its https version could not be reached on October 4, 2026.
Jingoji is about 50 minutes from JR Kyoto Station by JR Bus on the Takao-Keihoku Line, or about 45 minutes from Hankyu Karasuma or subway Shijo Station by city bus No. 8; from the Takao stop it is about 20 minutes on foot, according to the temple. By car it is about 6 kilometres from the Fukuoji intersection on Route 162 toward Takao and Keihoku. Traffic can lengthen the journey.
Q&A
- What is the 45 Articles of Mongaku?
- A set of 45 rules for Jingoji drawn up by Mongaku in 1185, covering the monks' conduct, practice, administration and estates.
- When was it designated a National Treasure?
- On March 20, 1954.
- Who wrote it out?
- According to Jingoji, Nakayama Tadachika (Fujiwara no Tadachika), known for his diary Sankaiki.
- What are Go-Shirakawa's handprints?
- Prints of the emperor's own palm in vermilion at the start and end of the scroll, with five lines of his writing at the end.
- Can I see the 45 Articles of Mongaku?
- Jingoji airs and shows its treasures in the shoin from May 1 to 5 each year; what is displayed varies.
Basic Information
| Name | The 45 Articles of Mongaku (written by Fujiwara no Tadachika) (文覚四十五箇条起請文〈藤原忠親筆〉) |
|---|---|
| Location | Umegahata Takao-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Jingoji) |
| Designation | National Treasure (Fine Arts and Crafts: Ancient Documents) |
| Year Designated | National Treasure 1954/3/20 (Showa 29) |
| Quantity | 1 scroll |
| Dimensions | Not recorded |
| Owner | Jingoji |
| Public Access | May be shown at the annual treasure airing (May 1 to 5) |
References
- 文覚四十五箇条起請文〈藤原忠親筆／〉 (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/820
Last verified: 2026.10.04