Shingon Risshu
a comparatively small medieval sect of Buddhism in Japan that arose in the Kamakura period as an offshoot of Shingon Buddhism
Shingon Risshū (真言律宗; "Shingon-Vinaya School") is a sect of Japanese Buddhism that integrates the pratimoksha rules, the ordination precepts of Early Buddhism, and the samaya rules of Vajrayana, all grounded in Shingon Buddhism's esoteric doctrine. It is noted for reviving the spirit of the Risshū sect, one of the Six Schools of Nara Buddhism (南都六宗).
The sect emphasizes adherence to the vinaya—the Buddhist monastic discipline—more than traditional Shingon Buddhism, while retaining tantric practices. Its home temple is Saidai-ji in Nara City.
Founder
The sect was founded in the 13th century by the monk Eison (叡尊; also known as Kosho Bosatsu), a disciple of Jōkei. Eison held Kūkai (the founder of Shingon Buddhism) in high reverence and established a synthesis between the Shingon and Risshu traditions. His efforts were continued by his eminent disciple Ninshō (忍性; also called Ninsei).
History
Kamakura Period
Reacting to the decline in monastic discipline, Eison and Ritsu monk Kakumori began personally administering the ordination precepts, bypassing the imperial state's monopoly on ordination procedures (自誓受戒, jisei-jukai). Eventually, Eison and Kakumori parted ways due to differing interpretations of the precepts.
Eison proceeded to rebuild major temples including Saidai-ji, Kairyuo-ji, Hokke-ji, and Hannya-ji, reestablishing strict vinaya observance independently from the Imperial Court.
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