“The First Inspiration to Set One’s Mind on Seeking Enlightenment” (Shohosshinjibenjōshōkaku) is a key term from the “Kegon Sūtra” concerning the theory of attaining Buddhahood in the Kegon sect. “Shohosshinjibenjōshōkaku” has been the subject of a variety of debates since ancient times.

In this paper, I discuss the Kegon interpretations of Shingon priest-scholars (such as Raiyu, Gōhō, Shōken, and Shōdō), who were active during the Middle Ages, from the perspective of “Shohosshinjibenjōshōkaku.” As a result, I am able to clarify differences between the interpretations of Shingi Shingon scholar-priests and those of Kogi Shingon scholar-priests.

Furthermore, the method by which each school understands the “ideal world” provides a background for the differences between the two interpretations.