Genshin

JAPAN, Nara, Kitakatsuragi; Heian period

Master Genshin, also known as Eshin Sozu, was a Tendai monk who was well-known for his Pure Land teachings. When he was 9 years old, he went to Mount Hiei where he renounced and received his monastic precepts under monk Ryogen at age 13. He was proficient in Buddhist logic and science, eventually becoming a master in teaching the eight scrolls of the Lotus Sutra. He was also regarded as the founder of the Eshin branch of the Tendai school of Buddhism.
At age 63, he was appointed Gon no Shosozu, which is the second highest rank for a monk, but retired the following year. Upon retirement, he retreated to Enryakuji Temple, where he concentrated on calligraphy and writing. He wrote more than 70 volumes and over 150 scrolls of articles, which were compiled into Collection of Works by Genshin. His disciples include the eminent monks, Kakucho and Myogo.
Genshin is attributed with the creation of Amitabha Buddha and Bodhisattvas, at Yushi Hachimanko Juhakkain Temple. The painting was listed as a National Treasure. Another painting, Amitabha Buddha Rising over Mountains, is kept at Konkai Komyoji Temple. Shojuraigoji Temple and Myogenji Temple still preserve the image of Genshin.