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Enshoji


The writings of Toumine priest, 5 Pieces

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registered location Owner
S45. October 19th, City Cultural Property Ozaki, Obama city Enshoji (Rinzai sect Nanzenji mission)


 There are 5 pieces of Sumizeki, one is a Inka (a letter of approval), two pieces are Syouku (certificates), one is Bussoshininkaichimyaku, and the last one is Soubetsu (a letter of a farewell).

 Inka is a letter of approval or recognition when a teacher priest tells the students about the Buddha's story. One day, Daijyo priest studied under Toumine priest, he entered a room and Toumine priest wrote this letter on a Japanese fan and gave it to him. Unlike an usual approval letter, this is a simple writing which is worth of attention, as a taste of Zen or work of Zen. It was June of 1783 when Toumine priest was 63 years old.

 Two pieces of Syouku are certificates for a letter of Inka. We must feel the sharpness and strong power of Zen priest underneath.

 Soubetsu is a letter of farewell which Toumine priest gave Daijyo priest, 6th priest of Enshoji, when he returned to Wakasa province after he had got the Inka.