Gyōnen


Gyōnen 1240–1321 was a Japanese Buddhist monk of Tōdaiji Temple in the late Kamakura period. He studied the history of Buddhism in India, China, and Japan, compiling documents on this subject in pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of Japanese Buddhism.

Biography

Gyōnen, also known a Jikan, was born in Iyokuni.
He received the Bodhisattva Precepts at Mt. Hiei in 1255. At the age of 18, he received the novice precepts and was fully ordained by Enshō at Tōdaiji Temple when he was 20. He studied the teachings of a number of traditions of Buddhism including Sanron and Hossō under various masters around Japan before setting into Tōdaiji, where he remained for most of his life.

Works in English translation