(1277–1360) was a Japanese
Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk, founder of
Myōshin-ji Temple and a principal member of the extant
Ōtōkan lineage, from which all modern Rinzai Zen derives. Centuries later,
Emperor Meiji
, posthumously honored as , was the 122nd emperor of Japan according to the List of emperors of Japan, traditional order of succession, reigning from 1867 until his death in 1912. His reign is associated with the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which ...
conferred the posthumous name to Kanzan.
Biography
Kanzan Egen was born in
Shinano Province
or is an old province of Japan that is now Nagano Prefecture.
Shinano bordered Echigo, Etchū, Hida, Kai, Kōzuke, Mikawa, Mino, Musashi, Suruga, and Tōtōmi Provinces. The ancient capital was located near modern-day Matsumoto, whi ...
on January 7, 1277. He initially studied Rinzai Zen Buddhism under
Nanpo Jōmyō, who received
dharma-transmission from China and later under Nanpo Jōmyō's student,
Shūhō Myōchō.
After Shūhō Myōchō confirmed Kanzan Egen's
enlightenment, Kanzan went to
Mino Province and dwelt in the
Ibuki Mountains for intensive training.
During this time,
Emperor Hanazono recalled Kanzan to the capitol to help found a new temple which became Myōshin-ji Temple.
References
1277 births
1360 deaths
Japanese Buddhist clergy
Rinzai Buddhists
Buddhist clergy of the Kamakura period
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