佚名 · Public domain
Early Heian period · 774–835
Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi)
空海 · Japan
Founder of Shingon Buddhism
He went to Tang China, studied esoteric Buddhism under Huiguo in Chang'an and, on returning, founded the Shingon school. He was also a calligrapher and poet and directed public works. He chose Mount Kōya as a place of practice, spent his last years there and entered eternal meditation in 835; he is revered as Kōbō Daishi.
Where the story happened
Places connected with this person
History · Mount Kōya (Kōyasan)
The mountain Kūkai chose for practice
From 819 Kūkai founded a monastery on Mount Kōya, which later became the head temple of Kōyasan Shingon Buddhism and a common starting point for the Shikoku pilgrimage. Okunoin is Kūkai's mausoleum, surrounded by the largest cemetery in Japan.
Legend · Mount Kōya (Kōyasan)
Kōbō Daishi, still in eternal meditation
For believers, Kūkai has not died but remains in eternal meditation in Okunoin, still praying for all beings. Every day monks carry meals to the mausoleum, serving him as they would a living master.
