This thesis is the result of research on the 13th-century dream journal of the Buddhist monk Myōe (1173–1232), founder and principal of Kōzan-ji temple (⾼⼭寺) in Kyoto. Why are the dream records of this Buddhist monk so important? Myōe was an influential priest in his time. However, his dream records, known under the title Yumeki 夢記, had not been accorded much attention in the past. Yet in recent years, a thorough study of the Kōzan-ji Temple’s art collection has revealed evidence concerning their value in understanding the metaphysical world of this monk, as well as the meaning of the collection’s various items. And it is now clear that this dream journal is, quite possibly, the longest record of one’s personal dreams in the world prior to our day. For these reasons, Myōe’s dream journal has begun to increasingly attract researchers’ attention.

This study aims to be a part of such research, attempting to shed more light on the symbolic nature of the animals appearing in Myōe’s dreams. Introducing foregoing research on Myōe’s life and his dream journal, we will seek to comprehend why so many animals occur in the monk’s dreams and what is their relation to his views as a Buddhist priest. We will also introduce some of the most important treasures of the Kōzan-ji collection, especially those related with animals, and seek their relationship with the figures and symbols in Myōe’s dreams.

The main task on the way to achieving this purpose will be to examine all possible information about the animals in Myōe’s dream journal and, based on this information, to attempt their analysis from different standpoints, as well as the attitude toward animals in Japan’s Kamakura period (1185–1333). We will also explore the meaning of dreams for Myōe as a Buddhist monk, and the place of his dream.