Japanese Literature, 55(12) 12-20, 2006 Peer-reviewed
Muja, a monk-author of the collection of Buddhist fables Saseki-shit, had a considerable knowledge about the philosophy of the Tendai Sect although he didn't belong to it. Indeed, he was acquainted with Mugai-Ninen of Jissoji Temple in Mikawa, who was one of the earliest transcribers of the sect's esoteric book Asoba-sho. Mujil also studied the secret of the ritual called Taimitsu-eicho-ryu into which Hakuum-Egyo was initiated by Enni-Benen. Probably influenced by the friend and stimulated by the peculiarity of the ritual, he came to be keenly interested in the sect and its philosophy.