Chōgen studied Buddhism, architecture, building techniques.
Chōgen first studied the doctrines of Shingon Buddhism at the Daigo-ji near Kyoto and went by the name Chogen of the Shunjobo. Later he studied Pure Land Buddhism under its famous propagator Honen. During the years from 1167 to 1176, he made three trips to China, where he continued his Buddhist training.
Chogen was an ardent believer in Pure Land teachings and adopted the name Namu- Amidabutsu.