Senkan
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Senkan (Japanese: 千觀, 918–984) was a prominent Japanese Buddhist monk of the Tendai school during the mid-Heian period. He was known for his scholarship and contributions to Pure Land Buddhism.[1]
Senkan was the son of Tachibana no Toshisada, the governor of Sagami Province and a descendant of Tachibana no Kimiyori. He entered the priesthood at Onjo-ji Temple, where he received the religious precepts and studied the Tendai school's exoteric and esoteric teachings under the guidance of Gyoyo (or Unsho according to some accounts).[1][2]
Weary of temple politics, in 962, Senkan retreated to Mount Minō in Settsu Province for intensive study and practice.[1][3] In around 962, Senkan compiled the Hokke sanshū sōtaishō 法華三宗相對抄 (Extracts on the Comparison [of the Interpretations] of the Lotus Sutra by the Three Schools), a huge fifty-fascicle study examining the interpretations of the Lotus Sutra by the Hosso, Sanron, and Tendai schools.[3] This scholarly endeavor established Senkan as a major figure in Buddhist intellectual circles. He was also credited, alongside Genshin, with composing twelve gikasho (debate position papers), reflecting his influence in Buddhist debate culture.[1]
In 963, at the request of the imperial court, Senkan performed a rain-making ceremony that was reportedly successful, demonstrating his reputation for spiritual efficacy. Subsequently, he revived Konryūji 金龍寺 (Ama-dera Temple) in Settsu Province (modern-day Takatsuki City) and resided there with a community of disciples who engaged in Pure Land practice.[1][3] Senkan devoted himself to the Pure Land teachings. He is credited with composing the Praise of Amida (Amida wasan 阿彌陀和讚) considered the first recorded Wasan (Japanese language hymn) intended to promote the Pure Land practice among the people. According to a historical source, “it was recited in the capital and in the provinces, by both the old and the young.”[4]
Senkan was invited to participate in the Owa debates, a major series of Tendai doctrinal discussions with the Hosso school over the issue of the universality of Buddha-nature, but declined, possibly to distance himself from the political ambitions of Ryogen, a prominent Tendai leader. Medieval sources suggest Senkan disapproved of using religious debates for political gain, aligning with his reserved and scholarly nature.[1]
In 970, Senkan received the three advanced esoteric initiations from Gyoyo. Although he maintained a good understanding of esoteric practices, he dedicated himself to promoting Pure Land teachings as his main focus. He composed the Jūgan hosshinki 十願發心記 (Ten Vows Arousing the Aspiration for Enlightenment), which according to Robert Rhodes is "the most extensive work on the Pure Land faith composed by a Tendai monk before Genshin".[5]
Senkan's emphasis on meditations involving visualizing the setting sun and other Pure Land practices marked his evolving spiritual focus. He encouraged the formation of nenbutsu (Buddhist invocation) practice groups and promoted the Hassei Jugan teachings, which became a core framework for Pure Land devotees.[1]
Senkan also served as a spiritual advisor to members of the imperial court and nobility. Notably, he conducted ordination ceremonies for several high-ranking women, including Princess Shoshi and Fujiwara no Yuhime, reflecting his openness to instructing female practitioners. Despite his detachment from court politics, his guidance attracted support from aristocrats who valued his teachings.[1]
After his death, Senkan was venerated as an incarnation of Kannon or Samantabhadra, and he became known as the "Smiling Buddha" or "Buddha Saint" (Butsuda Shonin) for his compassionate nature.[1]
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