The Kasuga-ban editions

Books printed by the Kōfukuji temple are called Kasuga editions. When did they begin and what sort of role did they play in Japanese society during the Heian (794-1185) and Kamakura period (1185 – 1333)? Let’s find out.

Published works and materials introduced in the video:

1. the Discourse on the Perfection of Consciousness-only (J. Jōyuishikiron)
   Click to see the image [1st scroll ][10th scroll]
2. Cheng Weishi Lun shu ji (J. Jōyuishikiron jutsuki), (Explanatory Notes of the Cheng Weishi Lun) by Kuiji (632-682), Kasuga ddition, Heian period
   Click to see the image and information
3. Dai-hannya haramitta-kyō (Sanskrit: Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra, Large Perfection of Wisdom Sutra)
4. Hokke gisyo, (Annotated Commentary on the Lotus Sutra)
5. Jūshichijō kempō, Constitution in 17 Articles
6. Kegonkyō, (S. Avataṃsaka Sūtra, Flower Garland Sutra)
7. Sanron gengi, (Ch. Sanlun xuanyi, Profound Meaning of the Three Treatises)
8. the Perfection of Consciousness-only (Ch. Cheng Weishi Lun; J. Jōyuishikiron), Kasuga edition, Woodblock, Kamakura period
   Click to see the image and information
9. Hyōmu Hyoshikishō, Tōshoji edition, 1292 (Shōō 5)
   Click to see the image and information
10. Woodblock of Hyōmu Hyoshikishō, Tōshoji edition, 1292 (Shōō 5)
    Click to see the image
11. Large Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (J. Daihan’nyakyō), printing

Temples and shrines mentioned in the video

• Kōfukuji, Kōfukuji temple
• Kasuga Grand Shrine, which was located on the Kōfukuji temple’s grounds.
• Hōryūji, Hōryūji temple
• Tōdaiji, Tōdaiji temple
• Saidaiji temple
• Tōshōdaiji temple

Historical figures and families mentioned in the video

• Hossō Shu, Hossō (Ch. Faxiang) sect
• the great Chinese monk Xuanzang (J. Genjō, 602-664)
• Prince Shōtoku (574-622)
• Fujiwara clan, powerful family in the Heian period

Keywords introduced in the video

• Kamakura period
• Jōō and Karoku eras
• Kasuga-ban, Kasuga edition, kasuga books.
• wayō (Japanese-style)
• kaisen, border lines drawn in-between text lines. you can see an example around 4:43 in the video.