“Originally named Kumagai Jirō, after becoming a monk he called himself Renshōbō. Visiting Kamakura, he rode backward on his horse, so he could always face toward the West. At the time of becoming a monk, he composed a verse: I’ve decided upon facing to the West and never looking back. Recently, someone turned this around: Even devils would cry out and turn away if ever he turned around.”¹

Known by many names, Kumagai Naozane (or Jirō) (1141–1208) was a warrior for the Minamoto clan against the Taira clan during the Genpei War (1180–1185). As a result of his exploits, which included the slaying of Taira no Atsumori (1169–1184), he was the subject of numerous poems, plays, and songs and remained a popular and well-known cultural figure even in the Edo period. Later in his life, he became a devout follower and priest in the sect of Pure Land Buddhism, assuming the ordained name of Rensei, or, as written by Hakuin in this inscription, “Renshōbō,” meaning “Ren the Priest.”

As he did in other works, Hakuin here expands the Zen Buddhist pantheon by incorporating not only a popular historical figure but also one from a different sect of Buddhism. Pure Land Buddhism, which posits a holy land to the west, is thus referenced in Hakuin’s inscription as he notes Rensei’s vow always to face westward, even if it resulted in the slightly comical vignette seen here, where the priest rides on his horse backward. Thus, Hakuin incorporates an element of humor into an otherwise solemn religious vow. Indeed, facing the western paradise could also be viewed as a gesture of atonement, as the Pure Land would also be the spiritual resting place of all those killed by the erstwhile warrior.

In the final line of the inscription, Hakuin notes that recently “someone turned this around,” an oblique reference to Hakuin himself, as well as his interpretations of Zen Buddhism. By noting that Rensei’s gaze, even if not directed westward, could frighten demons, causing them to shriek and look away, Hakuin emphasizes that the true power of Zen Buddhism emanates from within and can be transmitted in any direction, irrespective of the location of the western Pure Land.

—Bradley Bailey