Rennyo and His Mother

Rennyo played a crucial role in reviving Shin Buddhism, especially the Honganji branch, during its decline in medieval Japan. Legend says his journey began at six years old when his mother called him aside and told him of his duty to restore the Honganji school, as he was next in line to lead it. After this, she vanished without a trace from the temple. Holding onto her words, he endured poverty and hardship until, at sixteen, he left to teach and spread the faith across the country.