Tatsunyo (達如)

Tatsunyo (1780 - December 21, 1865) was a Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land Sect Buddhism) priest and the 20th Hoshu (high priest) of the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple. His ingo (title given to a Buddhist priest) was Mujokakuin. His imina (personal name) was Mitsuro. His gago (pseudonym) was Gusen. His childhood name was Setsumaru (later changed to Koyomaru).

He was born the son of Jonyo, the 19th Hoshu, and entered the Buddhist priesthood on March 11, 1792. Two days after entering priesthood, his father died and he succeeded the 20th Homyo. His achievements included the reconstruction of the main building of the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple in 1835, which was burned down by several fire accidents, and in 1846, he passed over his Hoshu post to his second son, Gonnyo, and retired.

He died on December 21, 1865, at the age of 86.

[Original Japanese]