Shinran: Path to Purity (1987)
Original title: 親鸞 白い道
Shinran: Path to Purity is a 1987 Japanese-language drama movie directed by Rentaro Mikuni, with a running time of 2h 19m. It stars Junkyu Moriyama, Michiyo Yasuda and Ако.
In the 12th century, Buddhism was still a relatively new religion in Japan. At that time, one school (Shingon) offered extensive training in complex and very demanding practices which might eventually bring about spiritual purification and realization. Various Zen schools offered students a lengthy path, literally composed of a blank wall and unceasing meditation. Yet another school (Tendai) emphasized complex metaphysics and the study of philosophical systems. Basically, all of them were designed to cater to the few who were able to give up everything else in their lives and focus on liberation, such as scholars and noblemen. In this historical and biographical drama, this is the situation that the young Shinran (1173-1263) discovered when he began exploring Buddhism as an alternative to the violence and ceaseless civil wars that racked Japan at the time.
Quick answers
What is Shinran: Path to Purity about?
In the 12th century, Buddhism was still a relatively new religion in Japan. At that time, one school (Shingon) offered extensive training in complex and very demanding practices which might eventually bring about spiritual purification and realization. Various Zen schools offered students a lengthy path, literally composed of a blank wall and unceasing meditation. Yet another school (Tendai) emphasized complex metaphysics and the study of philosophical systems. Basically, all of them were designed to cater to the few who were able to give up everything else in their lives and focus on liberation, such as scholars and noblemen. In this historical and biographical drama, this is the situation that the young Shinran (1173-1263) discovered when he began exploring Buddhism as an alternative to the violence and ceaseless civil wars that racked Japan at the time.
When was Shinran: Path to Purity released?
Shinran: Path to Purity was released on 2 June 1987.
How long is Shinran: Path to Purity?
Shinran: Path to Purity runs 2h 19m.
Who made Shinran: Path to Purity?
Shinran: Path to Purity was directed by Rentaro Mikuni.