A Portrait of Eshinni

While visiting Oregon Buddhist Temple in Portland a few years ago, I came upon this portrait of a young Eshinni. This striking portrait was created by student, Mayu Garner, who wrote this accompanying piece:

“As I learned about Eshinni for this art project, I thought of strength, endurance, perseverance, and strong love for the family. Echigo area gets heavy snow, sometimes covering the houses up to their roofs. But when spring comes, from under the heavy snow, beautiful flowers bloom each year…Eshinni reminds me of those beautiful and strong spring flowers. My portrait of Eshinni is made in the colors of springtime, and with Kobushi (Magnolia) blossoms. Eshinni’s grave is guarded by one big magnolia tree that is over 600 years old, so I incorporated the tree. Finally, I added a collage using copies of her letters on rice paper.”

The perception of Eshinni as an individual of strength and purpose is shared by Rev. Richard Tennes who notes, “Eshinni’s letters demonstrate that her attitude toward her husband was not at all submissive or passive. She was motivated by her own experience, which had convinced her that her husband’s work was of great significance… her contribution to, and support of, his work arose from her own conviction and faith.”

Because of Eshinni’s and daughter Kakushinni’s devotion to Shinran’s teachings and his belief in the unconditional embrace of Amida Buddha, the Hongwanji has transmitted the Nembutsu teachings for many, many generations.

Submitted by Wendie Yumori - April 2023

Artwork by Mayu Garner