National Treasure Gallery: The Testament of Monk Jie
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The Testament of Monk Jie (detail), By Ryogen, Heian period, dated 972 (National Treasure, Lent by Rozanji, Kyoto)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 2
June 14, 2016 (Tue) - July 24, 2016 (Sun)Born in Azai of Omi province, Ryogen (912-985) entered the priesthood and inherited the teachings of the monk En’nin at Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. The temple flourished through Ryogen’s endeavors, which included rebuilding structures on the temple grounds that had been lost to fire, instituting temple regulations, and teaching numerous disciples. For 19 years he administered the Tendai sect of Buddhism from his position of “Tendai Zasu,” and was recognized for his revival of Enryakuji Temple, with records noting that Mount Hiei was covered in halls and pagodas that Ryogen had built. He was awarded with the posthumous name of “Jie” but is also called “Gansan Daishi,” a name referring to the third day of the first month, which is when he passed away. Ryogen is still widely revered today through Buddhist ceremonies (Gansan Daishie) and protective images (Tsuno Daishi) that bear deep connections with him.
The document on display is his will and testament, which he wrote after falling ill on the third day of the firth month in 972. Consisting of 19 pages with his signatures on the back, near the edge and on the seams, it provides instructions for his funeral and the management of his living quarters, lands, sacred texts, and ritual implements.
In diaries from the late Muromachi period (1392-1573) such as the Sanetaka koki and Gonara tenno nikki, this testament is mentioned as having been kept at Rozanji Temple in Kyoto and revered as a writing by Ryogen’s hand. It is also valuable as a historical document, which, like the Nijuroku kajo kisho at Rozanji Temple, sheds light on the management of Enryakuji Temple.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Testament of Monk Jie | By Ryogen (912-985) | Heian period, dated 972 (Tenroku 3) | Lent by Rozanji, Kyoto |