NAKATA Yuka
Department of Japanese Studies Key words: Buddhist nuns, Buddhist convents, Chōfukuji, Edo period This paper aims to shed light on the founding of Buddhist convents in Japan and the actual situation of the nuns who lived there through a case study of the Kyoto convent Chōfukuji. Chōfukuji was reconstructed in the eighteenth century in order to hold memorial Buddhist services for Prince Sadamoti, and for generations thereafter was headed by women from aristocratic families. Studies in the past have mostly highlighted imperial convents called amamonzeki, but I am concentrating my research on ordinary Buddhist convents and nuns. This article focusing on Chōfukuji represents one aspect of this fundamental research, thereby laying the foundation for future studies. |