The Reception and Transformation of Ippen (1234–1289)’s Religious Tenets and Practices by Enju Kato (1919–2021) and Shōjōkō-ji

Abstract

This article explores the reception and transformation of Ippen 一遍 (1234–1289)’s religious tenets and practices by Enju Kato 加藤円住 (1919–2021) and his temple, Shōjōkō-ji 清浄光寺. While Enju Kato asserts that his life has been dedicated to adhering and enacting Ippen’s concept of “renunciation”, he has reinterpreted this concept based on his personal experiences and comprehension. Second, Enju Kato and Shōjōkō-ji have inherited some of Ippen’s religious practices yet adapted these to align with contemporary settings. This article presents a case study discussing the acceptance and transformation of doctrines and practices of Jishū 時宗 in the contemporary era, which has been overlooked by academia thus far.