Dōkyō
| Dōkyō | |
|---|---|
A painting of Dōkyō by Kikuchi Yōsai | |
| Born | 700 Wakae, Kawachi Province |
| Died | May 13, 772 Shimotsuke Yakushi-ji, Shimotsuke Province |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Occupation | Monk |
Dōkyō (道鏡; 700 – May 13, 772) was a Japanese monk who rose to power through the favor of Empress Kōken (Empress Shōtoku) and became a Daijō-daijin Zenji, the rank set up for him, and later became a Hōō, the highest rank of the religious world.
He served Ryoben at Tōdai-ji. He was favored by retired empress Kōken for nursing her and healing her illness. After the Fujiwara no Nakamaro Rebellion, Kōken came to the throne again as Empress Shōtoku, and Dōkyō became Daijō-daijin and then Hōō, and wielded great power. He also attempted to take advantage of the oracle of Usa Hachiman to assume the position of emperor, but was blocked by Wake no Kiyomaro. He lost his position after the death of Empress Shōtoku and was sent to Shimotsuke Yakushi-ji.