When he attained seventeen years of age, he had his head shaved at the Shoren-in and assumed the Buddhist name, Kenju. After he had first studied the philosophy of the Hosso Sect at Nara, he returned to Otani, and confining himself in a monastery there, he applied himself most assiduously to the study of the doctrine of his own Sect until he was thirty years old. In 1447, he travelled in the Eastern districts of

[paragraph continues] Japan, and in 1449, in the North, every' where visiting those historical landmarks associated with the memory of his forefather, the founder of the True Sect; and whenever he went, he was never tired of preaching the Good Law and giving a new life to the decadent faith of his followers.

In 1457, his father Zonnyo died, and as Rennyo Shonin he now succeeded him at the age of forty-three and became the Jushoku ("residing priest") of the Hongwanji. In June, 1460, he wrote a book entitled the "Sho-shin-getaii" at the request of his disciple, Dosai. It was about this time that lie began writing the "Letters" (called in Japanese Ofumi) explaining the doctrine and faith of the True Sect in most plain language in order to make even the plainest seekers of the truth comprehend what he wishes to convey to their simple hearts. These "letters" are numerous,

and it can be said without exaggeration that the revival of the faith of the True Sect is mainly due to the writing of these "letters" by the Shonin. His influence, thus, gradually gained the ground all over Japan, and the increasing number of pilgrims steadily pressed on to the founder's shrine at Otani. The growing popularity, however, of Rennyo attracted the envious attention of the monks on the Hiyesan, whose bitter hatred of the rival finally induced them to destroy the Otani shrine by fire on January 10, 1465.

This compelled Rennyo to flee front Otani carrying the image of Shinran with him. For a while he settled in Otsu where he made his residence at the Chikamatsu-dera, a temple belonging to the Miidera. He did not stay long here, and moved from one place to another until in April, 1471, he made a trip to the northern district of Japan; and after preaching at various places

in Echizen and Kaga Provinces, he built a temple at Yoshizaki, Echizen. Here again he attracted numerous followers from all the neighboring districts, who came to him earnestly inquiring about the faith of the True Sect and asking for his personal instructions. His success was most phenomenal.