Gyonyo (巧如)

Gyonyo (1376 - November 8,1440) was a monk of Jodo Shinshu (the True Pure Land Sect of Buddhism) and the sixth chief priest of Hongan-ji Temple. His posthumous name was Genko. His other pseudonym was Shojokaku. His childhood name was Hikaritagamaro.

He was born as the second child of Shakunyo, the fifth chief priest of Hongan-ji Temple, and became an adopted child of Sukeyasu HINO. In 1394, he succeeded to a position as chief priest of Hongan-ji Temple and made every effort to enlighten the Hokuriku districts. He dispatched his younger brother Tonen to Fujishima Chosho-ji Temple and his fourth son Nyojo to Zuisen-ji Temple in Nanto City, Ecchu Province. In 1436, he gave up his post to Zonnyo, his eldest son, and passed away on November 8, 1440 at the age of 65.

[Original Japanese]