One of the recurring themes depicted in the Tengu zõshi, a set of seven scrolls dated 1296, is the conμict among established temples of Nara and Kyoto. The present article focuses particularly on the dispute between Enryaku-ji (sanmon) and Onjõ-ji (jimon) that took place during the thirteenth century as it is depicted in Tengu zõshi. The analysis of the texts, both visual and verbal, reveals that the scrolls are more sympathetic to Onjõ-ji than Enryaku-ji. This is evident especially when the verbal texts of the Onjõ-ji and Enryaku-ji scrolls are compared. Closer examination of the scrolls also shows that Onjõ-ji claims superiority over all other established temples. This study shows how the scrolls reveal the discourse formed by the temples during disputes in the late Kamakura period in order to win support from political authorities. Tengu zõshi, therefore, in addition to being a ³ne example of medieval art, is also an invaluable source for historical studies of late Kamakura Buddhism.
