Background
Shinzan Miyamae was born Nigata, Japan, in 1935.
宮前 心山
Shinzan Miyamae was born Nigata, Japan, in 1935.
After graduation from Doshisha University with a degree in economics, he failed in three business ventures and experienced financial ruin. He was 31. Shogenji, known as the devil’s dojo, had the reputation of being the strictest training monastery in Japan. Recognizing his understanding, Itsugai Roshi wished Shinzan to succeed him at Shogenji.
Shinzan Roshi instead went on to study the Tenryū-ji tradition of koan practice at Kokutai-ji (国泰寺) in Toyama in the north of Japan.
He has become known for teaching outcasts and foreigners and protesting against institutional abuses. Kazuki was found guilty of involvement in the murder of a lawyer and his family.
Once his death sentence was confirmed, Japanese law only allows prison visits by family members. In May 2007 he named Julian Daizan Skinner Rōshi as his successor, presenting him with inka.
In November 2009 he also named Melody Cornell Eshin Rōshi as successor, presenting her with inka (transmission).
The book contains details of his artwork, together with a biography and excerpts from his teachings over the years.