This work was created on the anniversary of the death of Nan'in Kokushi, the second head priest of Nanzenji temple in Kyoto. The verse honors Kokushi's memory and recounts, for example, how he attracted many disciples or offered Zen instruction in a voice that resounded like a thunderbolt. The verse was written by Seisetsu Shocho, a Chinese monk who came to Japan at the invitation of Hojo Takatoki, the last regent of the Kamakura shogunate. Shocho served as head priest at Kenchoji, Engakuji, Nanzenji, Ken'ninji, and several other major temples in Kamakura and Kyoto.