Sanjō Wasan

Basic Information

• Catalog ID: 201
• Item ID: 696
• Category: Calligraphy and Books
• Country: Japan
• Period: Kamakura Period
• Author: Shinran
• Date designated: November 14, 1953
• Prefecture: Mie
• Location: 2819 Ishinda Town, Tsu City, Mishima Prefecture
• Owner: Senjuji Temple

Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)

Overview

Sanjō Wasan (Three Chapters of Praise) is a collection of hymns written in Japanese by Shinran, the founder of Jōdo Shinshū (Pure Land True School). The work praises Amida Buddha and eminent monks. It is composed of three sections: “Jōdo Wasan,” “Kōsō Wasan” (Praise of Eminent Monks), and “Shōzōmatsu Wasan.” This specific manuscript, held at Senjuji Temple in Mie Prefecture, holds extremely high historical and religious value because it is an original manuscript written by Shinran himself.

Historical Background

During the mid-Kamakura Period (1185–1333), Shinran created many wasan (poetic praise/hymns) using a seven-five syllable rhythm. He did this to spread the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism to common people who could not read complex classical Chinese scriptures (kanbun). It is believed that Shinran refined these hymns until his final years. This specific manuscript, known as the “Takada version,” is a valuable record showing the process by which the work reached its final form and demonstrating the deepening of Shinran’s philosophy. The Senjuji Temple copy was passed down through Shinbutsu, who was Shinran’s direct disciple and leader among the Takada followers, and has been carefully preserved as a treasure of the temple.

Features and Appeal

The greatest appeal of this manuscript lies in its nature as an original manuscript (kōhon), allowing readers to directly feel the passion and depth of thought conveyed through Shinran’s own handwriting.

• Shinran’s Handwriting: The writing style is characteristic of Shinran—powerful yet elegant. Examples of self-written manuscripts remaining in such good condition are rare, making it highly important in the history of calligraphy.
• Evidence of Constant Revision: The pages show frequent additions, pasted paper, corrections, and annotations made by Shinran himself. This makes it a vivid document that reveals his tireless efforts to refine the expression of doctrine and convey it with greater accuracy until shortly before his death.
• Pinnacle of Japanese Buddhist Literature: It expresses profound Buddhist teachings in plain Japanese (a mix of kana and Chinese characters), making it valuable for the study of classical Japanese language and literature.
• Culmination of Doctrine: The core tenets of Jōdo Shinshū faith are covered, establishing it as one of the most important sacred texts (shōgyō) in the sect, alongside the Shōshin Ge.