ABSTRACT
The doctrine of this sect is founded on the text designated by the name of Kegonkyō (Sanskrit: Avatamasaka-Sutra), from which the sect has taken its name. It was imported into Japan in 736 by the Chinese teacher Dôsen, who transmitted it to Ryoben, priest of the Todaiji temple of Nara, who became its propagandist. In 740, Shûmu, Emperor of Japan, entrusted the Korean priest Shuishô with the task of giving a detailed explanation of the Kegonkyō according to the Chinese commentaries. This explanation took place in the Hall of the Golden Bell of the Todaiji sanctuary, and lasted no less than three years. Even today one is obliged to address oneself to the learned priests of this temple if one wishes to make an orthodox study of the aforementioned sect.
