As the teaching of Nenbutsu spread throughout Japan, Shin Buddhism became the major Buddhism sect and the influence of Honganji Temple in Japanese history during this period was considerably strong. Shin Buddhism had support from all levels of the Japanese society, but especially peasants and servants strongly supported its teachings.
Many peasants revolted during that time were supported by the insightful social aspects of Shin Buddhism.
Such movements were considered as an obstacle for the aggressive unification of Japan planned by the Shogun Nobunaga Oda. For 10 years Nobunaga Oda tried without success to destroy the Honganji Temple. The temple was bravely defended by Shin Buddhist followers.
During this period, the caretaker of the mausoleum
moved
from Ishiyama Honganji in Osaka to
Horikawa Rokujo in Kyoto. After that, with a victory of the battle of
Sekigahara, Ieyasu Tokugawa recommended the division of the Honganji Temple.In 1604,
Kyonyo
was recognized as the 12th caretaker for what would be known as the East
Honganji Temple. Honganji was divided into two separate temples: West Honganji
Temple and East Honganji Temple. Junyo became the Chief Priest of West Honganji
and Kyonyo became the Chief Priest of East Honganji. |
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