Zoyo (増誉)

Zoyo (1032 - February 14, 1116) was a Tendai Sect Buddhist monk who lived during the mid-Heian period. His father was Dainagon (Major Counselor) FUJIWARA no Tsunesuke. He is also known as Ichijoin Daisojo.

Zoyo studied under Joen of Onjo-ji Temple (Mii-dera Temple) before entering the Buddhist priesthood under Gyoen and being consecrated by Gyokan. He practiced mountain asceticism at Mt. Omine and Mt. Katsuragi and is said to have performed miracles from an early period. He also served as the gojiso (personal monk) of Emperor Shirakawa and Emperor Horikawa. In 1090, he served as a guide during Retired Emperor Shirakawa's pilgrimage to Kumano and was appointed as the first Kumano Kengyo (official supervisor of Kumano) before founding Shogo-in Temple. He was successively appointed betto (administrator) of Tenno-ji Temple and chori (chief priest) of Onjo-ji Temple as well as Tendai Zasu (head priest of the Tendai Sect) in 1105 but was forced to resign on the following day by opposition from Enryaku-ji Temple. Following this, he simultaneously served as betto (administrator) of 13 temples including Sonsho-ji Temple.

Zoyo passed away in 1116 aged 85; his post of chori (chief priest) of Onjo-ji Temple being succeeded by Gyoson.

[Original Japanese]