Title: Ganjin : From Vinaya Master to Ritsu School Founder
Abstract: od as an attempt by Ganjin's successors to confirm his authority in the Ritsu community and spread his merits to future generations. This paper examines the process through which Ganjin was promoted from a vinaya master to an idealized monk who later was regarded as the leading authority of the Ritsu school. First, I provide a historical overview of the transmission of the vinaya in Japan prior to Ganjin's arrival. Second, I discuss the motivations of the Nara court (710–794) to demonstrate why an eminent vinaya master like Ganjin was needed. Third, I explore how the received image of Ganjin evolved after his death.