Comparing the handling of the text of the Shizhu piposha lun by Hōnen法然 (1133-1212) and his disciple Benchō弁長 (1162-1238) in their writings, the following characteristics are observed. Hōnen does not seem to treat the Shizhu piposha lun with high regard in his writings, because he views it as a Mahāyāna commentary primarily written for the practitioners of the path of sages with additional discussions on the Pure Land teaching only as a side topic. Therefore, he neither cites the text directly in his writings nor refers to it while discussing his understanding of the Pure Land teaching. On the other hand, Benchō cites numerous passages from the Shizhu piposha lun and refers to the text while developing his doctrinal interpretation of the Pure Land teaching, especially when he discusses his understanding of the distinction between the Difficult Path and the Easy Path. It is known that Benchō admits the efficacies of the various or miscellaneous practices, as well as the recitations of the names of various buddhas and bodhisattvas other than Amida Buddha. He is also known to have emphasized practitioners’ self-working in nembutsu practice and for their birth in the Pure Land. These interpretations were all based on the teaching discussed in the Shizhu piposha lun. It is clear that Hōnen and Benchō’s attitudes toward the teaching of the Shizhu piposha lun were very different.
