Seiganji
Summary
The play is set in the Kamakura period (1185–1333), when the recitation of the nenbutsu prayer gained popularity with the spread of Pure Land Buddhism. The monk Ippen was troubled by a question: “It is said that those who believe in the nenbutsu will be saved, but what about those who cannot bring themselves to have faith?” One day, the deity of Kumano appeared to him in a dream and presented him with an oracle: “Regardless of whether one has faith or not, as long as they recite the nenbutsu they will be saved. Spread this teaching with confidence.” Deeply moved, Ippen set out on a journey to disseminate his teachings.
The play begins during Ippen’s visit of Seiganji temple in Kyoto.Accompanied by other monks he distributes talismans guaranteeing salvation through the recitation of the nenbutsu. At that moment, a woman (Mae-shite) appears. She is doubtful of the words written on the talisman, although they were revealed by a deity. Moved by the teaching that “all can be saved,” she reverently bows before the monk.
Before disappearing, the woman asks Ippen to rewrite the temple’s board and reveals that she is none other than the spirit of the court lady and poet Izumi Shikibu (970?–1030?). Astonished, Ippen asks a local man about her, and he learns that Izumi Shikibu indeed had a deep connection to the temple. He then inscribes the sacred words of the nenbutsu (Namu Amida Butsu, “I take refuge in Buddha Amida”) on the plaque and prays. At that moment, Izumi Shikibu’s spirit (Nochi-shite), now transformed into a celestial being in the Pure Land paradise, appears. She praises the virtues of Amida Buddha, performs a graceful dance, and reverently bows before the newly inscribed plaque.
Highlights
The protagonist of this play is Izumi Shikibu, a female poet and writer of the Heian period (794–1185), who was also renowned for her numerous love affairs. Between the 14th and 16th century, when nō developed, she was often portrayed in legends as a woman tormented by the sins of her past, seeking salvation. This play follows that traditional depiction.
The one who grants her salvation is the famous monk Ippen, founder of the Jishū (“Time”) sect of Pure Land Buddhism, famous for its practice of the odori nenbutsu (dancing nenbutsu). In addition to spreading the faith through dance, as depicted in this play, he also distributed talismans promising salvation. On stage, rather than the small talismans that would traditionally fit in the palm of one’s hand, larger ones are often used, emphasizing the dramatic moment when Ippen bestows one upon the woman.
The second half of the play depicts a Buddhist ceremony led by Ippen. The sound of the nenbutsu chanting fills the temple hall, creating a sacred atmosphere that evokes the descent of Amida Buddha. Within this scene, Izumi Shikibu’s spirit appear, praising the Buddha and performing an elegant dance. A key highlight of this act is the striking image of Izumi Shikibu, transformed into a Buddha in feminine form. In modern performances, the actor often wears a golden headpiece adorned with a white lotus, symbolizing purity.