Chogen
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Chogen
重源 (1121–1206)
Also known as Shunjo-bo. A Japanese priest noted as a restorer of Todai-ji temple and as a disseminator of thePure Land teachings. He learned the esoteric teachings at Daigo-ji temple and received instruction in the Pure Land teachings from Honen, the founder of the Pure Land ( Jodo) school in Japan. In 1167 Chogen traveled to China to study, and there he encountered Eisai, a Japanese priest who came to China in 1168. That year Chogen returned to Japan together with Eisai, who would later found the Rinzai school of Zen. In 1181, on the recommendation of Honen, Chogen was appointed to restore Todai-ji temple, which had been burned by the Taira clan the previous year. He devoted himself to raising funds to repair the great image of Vairochana Buddha housed at the temple and for the repair and reconstruction of the temple's buildings. He completed the restoration with strong support from the Retired Emperor Goshirakawa, the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo, and other authorities. Thereafter he practiced the Pure Land teachings and erected many Pure Land temples. It is said that he made three journeys to China.