Priest Chinren was a disciple of Great Abbot Myōson of the Miidera Temple. He was born in Mutsu Province and came to the capital when he was still small. Following his karmic destiny, he took the tonsure and practised the Way. Thanks to his firm faith and his devoted concentration, he could memorize the Hokekyō.

He visited various miraculous places and withdrew for the ango retreat at each place. His difficult ascetic practices were rewarded by many marvelous revelations.

When in his prime, Chinren left Mutsu Province for the capital. On the way in the wild fields, Chinren and his attendants were trapped in the midst of the fire which had been set purposely to drive out animals for hunting. The fire extended for several hundred square chō, and Chinren and his men were completely surrounded by flames. Having no means of escape, they grievously mourned their prospect of being burnt to death. The frightened and confused horses jumped into the fire.

As Chinren realized that they could not save their lives, he decided to renounce his life, fervently recited the Hokekyō with his hands pressed together, and solely wished for rebirth in the Pure Land. When he began to recite the second roll, the smoke became unbearable and the fire was fiercely pressing on him. Chinren lay prone in the bushes, placing his forehead on the ground, and single-mindedly recited the Hokekyō. After a while, the burning flames subsided, the smoke disappeared, and Chinren felt cool. Raising his head, Chinren looked about and found the fire extinct. Several square jō around him remained unincinerated. He clearly knew that they had been saved by the marvelous power of the sūtra. Throwing his body on the ground, the rejoicing Chinren paid homage to the Law and affirmed his faith in the Way. Chinren and his men were immensely impressed with their miraculous survival.

Thereafter, Chinren respected the Law more devotedly, and relied on it more heavily. For years Chinren recited the sūtra and engaged in the veneration of the Law and the ascetic practices, wherever he was. He was never negligent, and finally attained Buddhahood. (Page 80-81)