Shingon Risshu


Shingon Risshū is a sect of Japanese Buddhism that integrates the pratimoksha rules, the ordination precepts of Early Buddhism, and the samaya rules of Vajrayana, all grounded in Shingon Buddhism's esoteric doctrine. It is noted for reviving the spirit of the Risshū sect, one of the Six Schools of Nara Buddhism.
The sect emphasizes adherence to the vinaya—the Buddhist monastic discipline—more than traditional Shingon Buddhism, while retaining tantric practices. Its home temple is Saidai-ji in Nara City.

Founder

The sect was founded in the 13th century by the monk Eison, a disciple of Jōkei. Eison held Kūkai in high reverence and established a synthesis between the Shingon and Risshu traditions. His efforts were continued by his eminent disciple Ninshō.

History

Kamakura Period

Reacting to the decline in monastic discipline, Eison and Ritsu monk Kakumori began personally administering the ordination precepts, bypassing the imperial state's monopoly on ordination procedures. Eventually, Eison and Kakumori parted ways due to differing interpretations of the precepts.
Eison proceeded to rebuild major temples including Saidai-ji, Kairyuo-ji, Hokke-ji, and Hannya-ji, reestablishing strict vinaya observance independently from the Imperial Court.
His disciple Ninshō expanded the reach of the movement by founding Gokuraku-ji in Kamakura and engaging in active lay outreach. This marked the birth of the Shingon Risshū, which was initially seen as a reform within Shingon and Ritsu traditions, later recognized as a new school within what is now termed "Kamakura Buddhism".
Eison’s successors, such as Shinku and Shinsei, earned the trust of the court and helped expand the sect by restoring Kokubun-ji and converting them into branch temples. At one time, the Ritsu sect rivaled the Zen and Jōdo sects in influence. However, Nichiren criticized it as a "Ritsu national pirate".
Eison and Shinsei also engaged in extensive social welfare work, aiding the poor, the sick, and especially leprosy patients. Tens of thousands were reportedly helped. The defeat of the Mongol invasions of Japan was partly attributed to the protective incantations performed by Eison and Ninshō.

After Muromachi

The sect declined temporarily during the late Muromachi period, but it was revived in the early Edo period by Meinin. His student Jōgen was the first to use the name "Shingon Ritsu-shū" publicly.
In 1872, the Meiji government reorganized Buddhist schools, merging all Ritsu sects into the Shingon sect, citing Shingon Risshū’s Shingon lineage. However, independence movements arose within Ritsu temples.
Led by the 64th Elder Saeki Kōsō, Saidai-ji spearheaded the push for autonomy. In 1895, the Ritsu sects regained independence, and Shingon Risshū was reestablished as a separate sect. Some temples remained within Shingon, however.
Since then, Saidai-ji has served as the head temple of the Shingon Risshū, and its chief priest customarily serves as the sect’s chief abbot.

Elders of Saidaiji

Denominational organization