Chogen

JAPAN, Kyoto; Heian to Kamakura period

Chogen, also known as Shunjobo Chogen, was a monk of the Pure Land school who renounced when he was 13 years old in Daigoji Temple in Kyoto. Originally immersing himself in Vajrayana Buddhism, he later studied Pure Land teachings under the tutelage of Master Honen. Also greatly admiring monk Kukai, Chogen followed his example and made the Shikoku Pilgrimage to 88 temples, scaling mountains and traversing across barren lands on foot. He traveled to China on three separate occasions between 1167 and 1176 during the Heian period, and learned the Chinese method of civil engineering, which later became the groundwork for the reconstruction of Todaji Temple in Nara, completed by Chogen and Chen Heqing in 1181.
A carved wooden statue of Chogen is housed in the Founder’s Hall of Todaiji Temple. Classified as a National Treasure, the statue vividly depicts Chogen’s unswerving determination. His calligraphy works include Solicitation for Funds, written in 1205 of the Kamakura period, which is listed as an Important Cultural Property and kept at Todaiji Temple.