Kyogyoshinsho (Bando manuscript, in Shinran's hand)

The Only Autograph of Shinran's Principal Work

The Kyogyoshinsho (Bando manuscript, in Shinran's hand) (教行信証〈親鸞筆／（坂東本）〉) is the autograph Bando manuscript of the Kyogyoshinsho, Shinran's principal work, owned by the Otani branch of Shin Buddhism (Higashi Honganji) in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, which in 1952 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a Kamakura-period work in six volumes owned by the Otani branch.

According to the Agency's public magazine, the Bando manuscript, handed down at Bando Hoonji in Tokyo, is the only copy of the Kyogyoshinsho in Shinran's own hand.

The Manuscript

According to the magazine, the Kyogyoshinsho gathers passages on birth in the Pure Land through the nembutsu from many sutras and commentaries, systematising Shinran's own faith.

Shinran (1173 to 1262), born in Kyoto, trained on Mount Hiei and became a disciple of Honen. After his exile to Echigo was lifted he taught for many years in the Kanto region, and after returning to Kyoto continued writing and revising his works until late in life.

What to Look For

The magazine notes that the manuscript shows Shinran's hand from around the age of sixty, with additions and corrections apparently from his eighties, the traces of long revision testifying to his unceasing search.

It has been handed down as the only copy of Jodo Shinshu's fundamental scripture in its founder's own hand.

Visiting the Kyogyoshinsho (Bando manuscript, in Shinran's hand)

The manuscript is owned by the Otani branch and is not on regular display; watch for exhibition announcements.