Legends of the Yūzū Nembutsu Sect

This handscroll illustrates the foundation of the Yūzū Nembutsu sect of Japanese Buddhism. A priest named Ryōnin (1072–1132) founded the sect in the Heian period (794–1185). He taught that individuals could attain rebirth in the Western paradise of Amida Buddha, the primary buddha of the Pure Land branch of Buddhism, merely by chanting his name. “Yuzu Nembutsu” means “chanting [Amida’s] name in communion”—a reference to the belief that chanting by one person would affect all other beings.

This scene is the culmination of the scroll and shows different faiths coming together in support of Ryōnin.