Kuya
Kuya
空也 (903–972)
An early exponent of the Pure Land teachings in Japan who disseminated the worship of Amida Buddha. He was ton-sured as a novice priest around age twenty at the provincial temple in Owari Province and assumed the name Kuya. He traveled the provinces chanting the name of Amida Buddha while dancing in the streets. He was therefore called the "Sage of the Streets." He also involved himself in such forms of social work as repairing roads and building bridges. In 948 he went to Mount Hiei, where he was ordained as a priest and given the name Kosho. After that he began to receive support from members of the imperial court. In 963 he founded Saiko-ji temple, later known as Rokuharamitsu-ji, or the Six Paramitas Temple, in Higashiyama in Kyoto, where he is said to have resided until he died.
