Shinran Shonin and the Yamabushi Figure of Urashima Taro Inscription: Inada Zenbo [Description] Shinran Shonin was a highly accomplished individual in Japan at the time, known as the "Kirinji of Mount Hiei" (a prodigy) while at Mount Hiei, where talented people gathered. He is also considered the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism during the Kamakura period. It is said that "no one surpassed Shinran in either scholarship or practice," and this work conveys the teachings of Buddhism by Shinran. You are all likely familiar with Urashima Taro, whose final story ends with him becoming an old man in a puff of smoke. "Why did Urashima Taro, who did good deeds, have to suffer such an end?" In ordinary Japanese folktales, the honest old man receives treasure, while the wicked old woman suffers a terrible fate – a story of good versus evil. There is a reason for this. Urashima Taro is a fisherman, and he carries a fishing rod on his shoulder. This fishing rod is a tool that continues to take the lives of many fish. If Urashima Taro were truly a good person, he should have broken that rod first. To pretend to be a compassionate good person just because he happened to save one life, isn't that a rather transparent hypocrisy? This Urashima Taro story teaches us about the fleeting nature of life, like a gourd floating in the air, as we, who only create evil, become conceited that we are doing good. Shinran is teaching Urashima Taro the Buddhist teachings that when you are surprised by the fleeting moment of life, when you have continued to create evil without realizing it, and when the white smoke suddenly rises, you have already arrived at the final station of life. This is a very valuable hanging scroll. Height: Approximately 168cm Width: Approximately 45.5cm Shaft: Approximately 50.9cm There are a few small holes and a few small tea stains on the mounting. No original box. Item only. Please check the profile of Ekeko before purchasing. F