Saiho Shinansho (written by Shinran)

Honen's Writings Copied in Shinran's Hand

The Saiho Shinansho (written by Shinran) (西方指南抄〈親鸞筆〉) is the Saiho Shinansho in the hand of Shinran, owned by Senjuji, head temple of the Takada branch of Shin Buddhism, in Isshinden-cho, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, which in 1953 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a Kamakura-period work in six volumes owned by Senjuji, designated with copies made by Kakushin and other direct disciples.

According to the Jodo Shu encyclopedia, the Saiho Shinansho is a collection of Honen's writings, and Senjuji holds the copy Shinran made himself in 1256 and 1257.

The Manuscript

According to the encyclopedia, the surviving copy is in six volumes, the first and second halves of the upper, middle and lower books, containing 28 of Honen's writings: sermons, personal records, letters and sayings.

Its compiler and date of compilation are unknown. Senjuji also holds a copy by Kenchi, one of Shinran's followers.

What to Look For

The encyclopedia notes that comparison with other collections suggests an underlying source, and that Shinran carefully transcribed it to send his teacher's writings to his disciples at Inada in Hitachi; many scholars, however, argue that Shinran compiled it himself.

Written out by the founder of Jodo Shinshu from the words of his teacher, founder of Jodoshu, it has been preserved at the head temple of the Takada branch.

Visiting the Saiho Shinansho (written by Shinran)

The manuscript is owned by Senjuji and is not on regular display.

Check Senjuji's announcements for viewing opportunities.