Jiun

JAPAN, Osaka; Edo period

Originally named Kozuki Onko, Jiun was a native of Osaka. He was a monk of the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism who renounced at the age of 13 at Horakuji Temple in Osaka. Prior to his renunciation, he was brought up in a school in Kyoto, studying history, poetry, and Japanese literature classics under the Confucian scholar, Ito Togai.
Jiun toured the area of Nanto (present day Nara) at the age of 19, and later returned to Osaka to research Buddhist texts in Sanskrit at Yachuji Temple in Habikino, where he was fully ordained as a monk. Jiun was known for establishing the Shobo Ritsu, or “Vinaya of the True Dharma,” which he later promoted around Osaka.
In 1758 when he was 41 years old, Jiun retreated to Sangyongan in Ikomayama and practiced meditative contemplation. In addition, he continued his studies of Sanskrit. After about ten years of intensive research, he compiled the 1,000-fascicle Ford and Bridge to Sanskrit Studies.
Also skilled in calligraphy, Jiun’s works exhibited a natural talent. Together with Ryokan and Jakugon, he is regarded as one of the Three Great Contemporary Monastic Calligraphers. His calligraphic works were published in Collection of Elder Jiun, which was compiled by Hase Hoshu.