Kanzan Egen

Kanzan Egen (関山慧玄/關山慧玄)
Kanzan Egen
Personal
BornJanuary 7th, 1277
Shinano Province, Japan
Died1360
Kyoto, Japan
ReligionBuddhism
SchoolRinzai Zen, Myōshin-ji Branch
Other namesMuso Daishi (無相大師)
Senior posting
TeacherNanpo Jōmyō and Shūhō Myōchō
SuccessorJuo Sohitsu (授翁宗弼)

Kanzan Egen (関山慧玄/關山慧玄) (1277–1360) was a Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk, founder of Myōshin-ji Temple and a principal member of the extant Ōtōkan lineage,[1] from which all modern Rinzai Zen derives. Centuries later, Emperor Meiji conferred the posthumous name Muso Daishi (無相大師) to Kanzan.

Biography

Kanzan Egen was born in Shinano Province 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.[2] 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

  1. ^ 禅の歴史(達磨・百丈・白隠等). 臨黄ネット (in Japanese). Retrieved 14 May 2013.
  2. ^ "【Muso Daishi Kanzan Egen】無相大師 関山慧玄". Myoshin-ji Homepage. Archived from the original on 4 May 2015. Retrieved 14 May 2013.


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