Overview
The Fūshin Jō (Scrolls of the Wind God) are letters (shakutoku) written by Kūkai (also known as Kōbō Daishi), a monk and founder of Shingon Buddhism, to Saichō (Dengyō Daishi), the founder of Tendai Buddhism. These scrolls were originally sent during the early Heian Period (794–1185). Today, they are kept at Tō-ji Temple in Kyoto (which is managed by Kyōō Gokoku-ji Temple) as a single collection and are recognized as one of Kūkai’s greatest literary achievements. The name derives from the phrase “Wind God Cloud Writing” found at the beginning of the first scroll. Originally, there were five scrolls; however, one was stolen, and another was kept by the Kano family (now an Important Cultural Property), leaving the current three scrolls preserved at Tō-ji Temple.
Historical Background
During the early Heian Period, specifically between 812 and 813 CE, Kūkai and Saichō were two of the most influential figures in Japanese Buddhism. Both had returned from Tang China (China) and were based at different centers—Kūkai was associated with Kyoto, while Saichō operated from Mount Hiei. At this time, Saichō took on a student role to learn Esoteric Buddhism (Mikkyō) from Kūkai. The two men maintained extremely close intellectual and spiritual ties, including ceremonies where Saichō received initiation rites (kanjiō). The Fūshin Jō were written during Kūkai’s prime years when he was around 40 years old. They contain exchanges regarding Buddhist scriptures and plans for future meetings. These scrolls are invaluable historical records that convey the deep trust between high-ranking monks of the time and document the process by which Esoteric Buddhism became established in Japan.
Features and Appeal
The Fūshin Jō is an exceptionally valuable cultural property because it allows viewers to see the direct handwriting of Kūkai, who is revered as one of the “Three Great Calligraphers” (Sanpitsu) in Japanese calligraphy history.
- Evolution of Style and Influence from Wang Xizhi: Each of the three scrolls was written with a distinct calligraphic style. The first scroll features elegant semi-cursive script heavily influenced by the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion by the famous Chinese calligrapher, Wang Xizhi. The second is a more fluid cursive/semi-cursive mix, and the third showcases Kūkai’s unique power in pure cursive script. Together, they demonstrate the breadth of Kūkai’s mastery.
- Artistic Excellence: While founded on the style of Wang Xizhi, the scrolls blend this foundation with Kūkai’s own refined sensibility and powerful energy. Every character is filled with vitality. The variation in size, ink density, and wetness/dryness vividly reflects Kūkai’s spiritual depth.
- Emotional Expression: Because these are not formal government documents but personal letters to a close friend (Saichō), the momentum and arrangement of the characters allow us to read the raw emotions: Kūkai’s feelings at the time, his respect for Saichō, and his profound confidence.
- Historical Documentation Value: The scrolls preserve living language that illustrates the interaction between two genius figures who defined the Heian Period. They are first-rate historical materials for both Japanese Buddhist history and Japanese calligraphic history.
Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)