Ryōnin Becoming a Disciple of the Monk Ryōga at Hieizan
Series TitleIllustrated Origin and Legends of of the Yūzū Nenbutsu, Volume 1, Episode 1
Original Language Title融通念仏縁起絵断簡（上巻、第一段、良忍上人比叡山で良賀の弟子となる）
CultureJapanese
Dateearly 14th century
MediumHandscroll section mounted as hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
DimensionsOverall: 14 × 19 1/4 inches (35.56 × 48.9 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust
Object number62-3
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DescriptionOriginally, this painting was accompanied by a written narrative recounting the first episode of Illustrated Origin and Legends of Yūzū Nenbutsu (Yūzū Nenbutsu engi-e 融通念仏縁起絵). The scene takes place at Mount Hiei (Hieizan 比叡山), where the young Saint Ryōnin 良忍上人, at twelve years old becomes a disciple of the monk Ryōga 良賀. Inside a temple perched on a steep hillside, Ryōnin sits in front of his teacher Ryōga, who sits on green tatami. Ryōnin’s long black hair, tied behind him, and contrasts with his white robe and dark trousers. Through the raised lattice shutters, the two are seen in conversation, surrounded by verdant hills and distant trees whose softly brushed silhouettes fade into a mist, evoking the mountain’s tranquil remoteness.Gallery LabelThis painting was created to tell the legend and charitable acts of the Yūzū Nenbutsu school’s founder, Priest Ryōnin (1073–1132). The Yūzū Nenbutsu school was a subdivision of Pure Land Buddhism, which has flourished in Japan since the late 900s C.E. The school taught followers that they could be reborn into Paradise by merely repeating the nenbutsu or a simple mantra.
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