National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

　This is a copy of six letters written by the founder of Tendai sect Saicho (Dengyo Daishi; 767–822), the last will of Saicho and a written pledge of Encho (772–837), who was a pupil of Saicho.
　Among the six letters, five letters were sent to the founder of Shingon sect Kukai (Kobo Daishi; 774–835), stating a request for borrowing sutras and esoteric ritual manuals (Giki) or for preaching sermons for his pupils. The other letter was one sent to his favorite pupil Taihan, in which Saicho recommended that he receives the abhisheka rituals (kanjo) from Kukai at Takaosanji Temple (present-day Jingoji Temple).
　There is a colophon at the end of this copy dated of March 18, Shouo 2 (1289), indicating that the copy was written by the chief priest of Houon-in sub-temple of Daigoji Temple, Ryusho (1264–1314).
　Among the old copies of the “Collected Letters of Priest Saicho” this one is the second oldest following the manuscript held by Ninnaji Temple in the late Heian period (794–1185).