4 Expansion of the Honganji Temple: Rennyo

Only with the Eighth Chief Priest, Rennyo (1415-1499), did the Honganji Temple
experience a great expansion. Rennyo was a person with deep knowledge of the Shin
Buddhist teachings and impressive management skills. His management approaches are praised
even today in Japan by many Buddhist and non-Buddhist businessmen.
Buddhist sects such as Tendai became concerned about the unprecedented great expansion of the Honganji under Rennyo's leadership. . During this period in Japan, it was not uncommon traditional temples to have armies of monks skilled in the use of
all possible kinds of weapons. Tendai monks tried to attack the Honganji three times during this
period. The Honganji was relatively successful protecting itself from such attacks, but Rennyo
wanted to avoid meaningless religious disputes. He decided to move to
Yoshizaki, northwestern part of Japan. Many Shin Buddhists also came to Yoshizaki,
creating new political difficulties for Rennyo. After some time, Rennyo decided to
return to Kyoto. He constructed Yamashina Honganji Temple which was
praised by many people (Ex. Tomiko Hino) for its exquisite architecture.

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