Korea Journal of Buddhist Studies ISSN:1598-0642(Print) 불교학연구

It has generally been understood in Japan that Yogācāra Buddhism was imported into Japan directly from China. This view has taken root in Japan since the time of the account given by Gyōnen (凝然 1240-1321) in his Sangoku buppō denzū engi (三國仏法伝通緣起), where he explained that Japanese Yogācāra Buddhism was formed through four successive events of formal introductions directly from China. However if we carefully examine ancient Japanese chronicles and other historical materials, we cannot but doubt the historical accuracy of Gyōnen's account. We have ample evidence to the effect that the works of Silla monks as well as Chinese monks were formally transcribed in the Nara period, and that Zenju (善珠 723-797), who was an important Yogācāra monk affiliated with the Kōfukuji temple in the Nara period, earnestly studied works from both traditions. Accordingly, we must re-examine the character of Japanese early Yogācāra Buddhism by taking into account the viewpoint of relations with Silla Buddhism.