About Kanzan Egen
Lived 1277 – 1361 (aged 84). Kanzan Egen was a Japanese buddhist monk.
(1277–1360) was a Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk, founder of Myōshin-ji Temple and a principal member of the extant Ōtōkan lineage, from which all modern Rinzai Zen derives. Centuries later, Emperor Meiji conferred the posthumous name to Kanzan.
Biography Kanzan Egen was born in Shinano Province on January 7, 1277. He initially studied Rinzai Zen Buddhism under Nanpo Jōmyō, who received dharma-transmission from China and later under Nanpo Jōmyō's student, Shūhō Myōchō. After Shūhō Myōchō confirmed Kanzan Egen's enlightenment, Kanzan went to Mino Province and dwelt in the Ibuki Mountains for intensive training.
During this time, Emperor Hanazono recalled Kanzan to the capitol to help found a new temple which became Myōshin-ji Temple.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Kanzan Egen's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Kanzan Egen's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Kanzan Egen?
Japanese Buddhist monk
When was Kanzan Egen born?
Kanzan Egen was born on 7 January 1277 in Takai district.
When did Kanzan Egen die?
Kanzan Egen died on 19 January 1361 in Myōshin-ji Temple.
What was Kanzan Egen's occupation?
Kanzan Egen was a buddhist monk.
What nationality was Kanzan Egen?
Kanzan Egen was Japanese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Kanzan Egen. https://biography.guide/kanzan-egen/
MLA: "Kanzan Egen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/kanzan-egen/.
Chicago: "Kanzan Egen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/kanzan-egen/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:22 UTC