Godenshō and the Tradition of Buddhist Biographies in Japan

Abstract

Godenshō (14th century) is a biography of Japanese Buddhist master Shinran (1173–1263). Key provisions of his teachings – the most radical version of Pure Land Buddhism – in this text, not just listed, but shown in action. Full trust in the of Other-power, equality of all people in faith, keen awareness of human’s own sinfulness, worshipping as a way to repay the Buddha for mercy – all these attitudes in Godenshō are carried out in specific episodes from the life of the thinker. The "Selection" is very traditional: the style, composition, approach to the  presentation of theory with practical examples date back to earlier Japanese stories about famous monks, including the texts from Konjaku monogatari shū (12th century). The episodes included in Godenshō prove that the exclusive veneration of Buddha Amida for Shinran did not mean disrespect for other Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and kami deities, nor contempt for other teachings, nor oblivion of the duties of the citizen to the ruler and teacher to the community. The article includes a translation of selected fragments from Godenshō and a retelling of the remaining episodes.