Ⅰ. Introduction The Narratology of Mieke Bal Narrative structure of the Sutra of Immeasurable Life Historical-cultural context of the narratives Shinran' s reading of the frame narrative of the Sutra of Immeasurable Life Narrative structure of Shinran's reading of the sutra's frame narrative Historical-cultural analysis of Shinran's narrative Shinran' s reading of the final narrative of the sutra