Kobo Daishi and Koyasan
Kobo Daishi (Kukai) was a renowned monk who established Shingon Buddhism during the Heian era. In 835, he entered into eternal meditation and in the year of 921 he was given the posthumous name of Kobo Daishi by Emperor Daigo. The meaning of the name Kobo Daishi recognizes his excellence as a teacher as well as his work and efforts to spread the word of the Esoteric Buddhism throughout Japan. Although both names are used interchangeably, Kobo Daishi is the name most commonly used by the followers of Shingon Buddhism.
Kobo Daishi became disenchanted with the secular world and began to develop a strong interest in Buddhism.
Kobo Daishi was born in 774 in the province of Sanuki (Kagawa Pref.) on Shikoku Island. When he was young, he studied Chinese classics and Confucianism under the guidance of his uncle, Ato-no Otari. When he was fifteen, he moved to the capital city to enter a government university where most of the graduates moved on to become bureaucrats. During his time at the university, Kobo Daishi became disenchanted with the secular world and began to develop a strong interest in Buddhism. Consequently, at the age of eighteen, he decided to live his life as a Buddhist monk.When Kobo Daishi was thirty-one years old, he happened to read a scripture of Esoteric Buddhism called “Dainichi-kyo” (Mahavairocana Sutra). This sutra had a tremendous impact on him and thus he became very motivated to study more in depth about Esoteric Buddhism. Since Esoteric Buddhism was relatively unknown in Japan, Kobo Daishi knew he must go to China in order to gain a better understanding of the Esoteric teachings. Fortunately, Kobo Daishi was able to join a Japanese envoy in 804 that was traveling by boat to Xi’an (the capital of China at the time) to visit the Tang Dynasty. In spite of Kobo Daishi’s initial 20 year directive to study Buddhism in China, he returned to Japan after only two years with the mission from Master Huiguo to spread the teachings of Esoteric Buddhism throughout Japan. Kobo Daishi returned to Japan in the province of Tsukushi (Fukuoka Pref.), with a great number of religious textbooks and artworks. However, having disobeyed the 20 year directive from the government, he was not allowed to enter the capital city. After several years had passed, Kobo Daishi was finally permitted to enter the capital city. Immediately after being welcomed back into the capital city he proclaimed his devotion to propagating of the supreme doctrine of Esoteric Buddhism.
he dedicated himself to the work of creating an Esoteric Buddhism School
Kobo Daishi is also known as the father of Japanese culture. He is renown for his talents as a teacher, engineer, inventor, poet, calligrapher and creating the first public school in Japan. Kobo Daishi has influenced Japanese culture in many ways that can still be seen today. For example, Kobo Daishi directed the reconstruction of the “Manno-ike”(reservoir) in his hometown. This structure was remarkable in its scale, technology and still stands today. Kobo Daishi also established the first tuition free university for commoners (Shugeishuchi-in) in Kyoto.
This structure was remarkable in its scale, technology and still stands today.
Through his achievements and rising popularity, Kobo Daishi was summoned and requested to assist on a multitude of tasks and projects. Yet he never lost sight of his desire to create a monastic center for Shingon Mikkyo (Esoteric Buddhism). In 816, after receiving permission from Emperor Saga, Kobo Daishi officially founded the seminary community of Koyasan. Since its induction, he dedicated himself to the work of creating an Esoteric Buddhism School while providing spiritual support for the common people. Kobo Daishi entered into eternal meditation on March 21, 835, surrounded by his devoted disciples. He is believed to be alive and continues to provide relief to those who ask for salvation.