EPISODE 03Results from Enchin’s Journey to Tang China:
Acquired Sutras and Founding of To-in

During his six years in Tang China, Enchin traveled extensively, receiving numerous teachings from revered monks to transmit to Japan. Notably, Faquan, abbot of Qinglong Temple in Chang'an, who recognized Enchin’s talent, gifted him the treasured esoteric Buddhist diagram, known as the Five Abhisambodhi, which he had kept secret. This diagram, which reveals the essence of flourishing Tang dynasty esoteric Buddhist art, is designated as a national treasure and are carefully preserved at Miidera Temple. Upon returning, Enchin also established the Shikan-do (a meditation and residential facility) at Guoqing Temple for Japanese monks studying there.

In June 858, he left Taizhou aboard a ship of the Chinese sea merchant Li Yanxiao, bringing back a vast collection of acquired items to Japan. These precious scriptures and texts are detailed in Comprehensive Catalog of Seeking the Dharma in Tang and other four catalogs of acquired items including that from Guoqing, Qinglong, and Kaiyuan Temples. These documents were placed in To-in, a shrine founded at Miidera Temple following a revelation in a dream featuring Silla Myojin. Silla Myojin, a protective deity who appeared to Enchin aboard the ship returning from China, is enshrined as a secret Buddha statue at Miidera.