Mongaku Shonin

Background

Mongaku was born in 1139 in Japan.

Career

Mongaku Shonin became a priest. Restored the dilapidated Jingoji Temple, Yamashiro Province (Kyoto Prefecture) with the funds he had collected as an itinerant preacher.

He once forced ex-Emperor Goshirakawa to contribute to the fund. The offended Emperor exiled him to Izu (Shizuoka Prefecture). Mongaku was befriended at Izu by Yoritomo Minamoto and helped the latter against the Heike. Later Mongaku was pardoned by the Emperor, but was again exiled to Sado Island in 1199. Was pardoned again in 1202. Nothing is known about him thereafter.

Connections

At the age of 17, fell in love with Kesa, wife of Wataru Minamoto, but killed her by mistake.

Friend:

Minamoto Yoritomo