Department of State Affairs Custom Pass Division Passport (Shoshosho shimon kasho)
Ink on Paper / One Document
- original
- transcription
The only existing Tang Dynasty passport
With this passport, Enchin and his group safely arrived in Chang'an, where he studied and received esoteric Buddhist teachings from the high monk Faquan of Qinglong Temple, where Kukai (posthumously known as Kobo Daishi) also stayed, and then returned to Mount Tiantai in Jiangnan via Luoyang. This passport is also a valuable historical document that provides concrete details about Enchin's journey to seek the Dharma in Tang China. At the end of each passport, records of the checkpoints passed are noted, indicating that Enchin passed through Tong Pass on May 15 towards Chang'an, and on the return journey, passed the renowned checkpoint of Pu Guan guarding Chang'an on December 4.
- Category
- National Treasure
- Era
- November 15, 855
- Measurements
- 30.7 × 62.2 cm
Related Documents and Texts
-
Appointment Document for the Head of Shingon Buddhism Studies (Shingon gakuto’o buninjo)
-
Copies of Reports of Prayers (Kito kanzu no utsushi)
-
Copy of Prayer and Sutra Chanting Decree (Kito tenkyo chojo no utsushi)
-
Draft of Request for a Kugen Certificate from Taizhou (Daishu kugen o ko choan)
-
“Copies of Saicho’s Taizhou and Mingzhou Kugen Certifications (Saicho Daishu Meishu kugen no utsushi) Enchin’s Request for Kugen Certification from Taizhou (Enchin Daishu kugen ukejo)”
-
Yuezhou State Governor’s Office Passport (Esshu totokufu kasho)