A Study on the “Recluse View” in Hojoki

Based on the textual content of Hojoki and KAMO no Chomei’s personal experience, this paper investigates KAMO no Chomei’s “recluse view” from two aspects: the reasons for his recluse and his recluse life. The conclusion is that in KAMO no Chomei’s “recluse view”, he tends to settle his heart by reducing contact with the outside world and creating a relatively quiet space, with the aim of seeking spiritual comfort. In addition, in KAMO no Chomei’s “recluse view”, it is relatively weak in his pursuit of Buddhism, as opposed to his stronger pursuit of paying attention to his own moral uplift without thought of others. Finally, there are two contradictory factors in KAMO no Chomei’s “recluse view”, that is, the desire to enter the world and the idea of recluse exist simultaneously.