This is one of over 5,000 books from a set of the complete Buddhist canon (J. issai kyō) that was completed on the order of the Shōgun Ashikaga Takauji (1305–1358). Temples throughout the country were compelled to contribute so the entire canon could be finished in just a year. According to the dedicatory prayer (J. ganmon) printed at the end of this accordion-style folded book (J. orihon)—a dedication with Takauji’s name written in his own hand, it was commissioned to commemorate the souls of Emperor Go-Daigo(1288–1339), Takauji’s parents, and those killed in warfare. In addition, it continues, the project was undertaken to ensure peace among the people and tranquility across the realm. 
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