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Kūkai

Type Figure Region Japan Time 774–835 Also known as 空海、Kūkai、弘法大师、遍照金刚

Kūkai (774–835), Heian-period monk, founder of Shingon Buddhism, honored as Kōbō Daishi; studied in Tang China and spread esoteric Buddhism in Japan.

Timeline

  1. 774–804Sanuki Province · KagawaBorn Miyama, he studied Confucian classics and Buddhism in Kyoto in his youth and later practiced on Mount Hiei and elsewhere. Feeling Japanese Buddhist scholarship inadequate, he resolved to go to Tang China for the dharma, accumulating learning and religious experience for founding Shingon.
  2. 804–806Chang'an · Chang'anHe sailed to Tang China with the 17th embassy, studied under Master Huiguo at Qinglong Temple in Chang'an, received consecration in the two great esoteric rites, and received the dharma name Henkō Kongō. Within a short time he mastered Tang esoteric Buddhism, gathered many scriptures and ritual objects, and returned in 806, the fundamental cause of establishing Shingon in Japan.
  3. 806–835Mount Kōya · Mount KōyaAfter returning, he founded Kongōbuji on Mount Kōya, granted by Emperor Saga, establishing the Shingon practice site, and served as abbot of Tō-ji transmitting the dharma. He spread esoteric Buddhism through consecration, practice, writing and calligraphy, with disciples across the court and provinces; posthumously honored as Kōbō Daishi, his teachings and practices continue today.

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