Ennin
Ennin (圓仁) | |
|---|---|
A statue of Ennin. | |
| Title | Third zasu, head of the Tendai Order |
| Personal life | |
| Born | 793 or 794 CE |
| Died | February 24, 864 (aged 69–70) |
| Other names | Jikaku Daishi (慈覺大師) |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| School | Tendai school |
| Lineage | Sammon lineage |
| Senior posting | |
| Predecessor | Enchō (円澄) |
| Successor | An'e (安慧) |
Ennin (圓仁 or 円仁, 793 CE or 794 CE – 864 CE), better known in Japan by his posthumous name, Jikaku Daishi (慈覺大師), was a priest of the Tendai school of Buddhism in Japan, and its third Zasu (座主, "Head of the Tendai Order").
Ennin was instrumental in expanding the Tendai Order's influence, and bringing back crucial training and resources from China, particularly esoteric Buddhist training and Pure Land teachings. He is most well known for integrating esoteric practices (Taimitsu) with the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. His journey to Tang China (838–847) and his subsequent writings profoundly influenced Japanese Buddhism.