Because Master Honen’s teaching of the Nembutsu was for those unable to perform difficult religious practices or engage in difficult studies, it attracted followers from many classes of people. They included the nobility, warriors, merchants, and farmers, of course, but they also included thieves and prostitutes.

Master Honen taught that performing difficult religious practices and engaging in profound study were not necessary, and that only the Nembutsu could be relied upon. This made the teaching of Buddha-dharma available to everyone. That was why Master H?nen attracted such a large following. Unfortunately, his popularity caused those who followed the “self-centered effort” teachings of Buddha-dharma to become jealous, and they began petitioning the Imperial Court to prohibit Master Honen’s teaching. It was during such a time that the Venerable Master joined Master Honen in Kyoto.

Emperor Gotoba began a pilgrimage to Kumano on the 9th day of the 12th lunar month of 1206 CE (Ken-ei 1). During his absence, two of his ladies-in-waiting (traditionally said to be named Matsumushi and Suzumushi) were very moved by Dharma Talks given by two of Master Honen’s disciples named Juren-bo and Anraku-bo. They determined to quit their positions at the Imperial Court and become nuns. This enraged the Emperor and during the 2nd lunar month of 1207 CE (Jogen 1), he prohibited the Nembutsu teaching.

Juren-bo and Anraku-bo were sentenced to death, and Master H?nen and several of his disciples, including the Venerable Master, were exiled. Master Honen was then 75 years of age. His place of exile was Tosa Province on the island of Shikoku (though other indications point to Sanuki Province on that island as his place of exile). He was given the criminal name of Fujii Motohiko.

The Venerable Master was 35 years of age when he was exiled. His place of exile was Echigo Province (modern Niigata Prefecture), and he was given the criminal name of Fujii Yoshizane.

Although receiving the harsh punishment of exile, the Venerable Master made the best of it. According to the “Honorable Biography” (Godensho) written by his great-grandson, Master Kakunyo, this is how the Venerable Master felt about his exile:

If I had not been banished (from the capital of Kyoto), I would never have been able to (teach the Nembutsu) to the peoples of that remote area. All this was solely due to Master Honen’s teaching.

In other words, it was only because he was forced into exile that the Venerable Master was able to transmit the Nembutsu teaching to people in Echigo Province. From this, I believe we can see the Venerable Master’s mind and heart that wished nothing other than sharing his understanding of the Nembutsu with as many persons as possible. That was why he was able to accept his exile with such great joy.