Background
Shoku was born in 1177. He was a son of Michichika Nakanoin, Minister of the Imperial Household, officially, but he was actually the eldest son of Chikasue Minamoto.
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Shoku _
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also known as
Zen-ebo, Kanchi Kokushi
Career
Shoku became a disciple of Honen at the age of 13. He helped Honen write his Senjakushu. He lectured on the book at the resident of Kanezane Kujo on behalf of Honen.
When Honen was exiled to Tosa, Shoku was spared the punishment and studied under Ganren Shonin in Kawachi Province (Osaka Prefecture) as ordered by his master. He studied there for over 40 years. Later he lived at the Zempoji-Ojoin Temple at Nishiyama at the request of Priest Jien. After Honen's death, he was an outstanding leader of the Jodo Sect.
The Court accorded him the name of Kanchi Kokushi posthumously. His four disciples, Hoko, Ryiishin, Shonyii and Shoe started the Yotsuya, Fukakusa, Higashiyama and Saga schools, respectively, of Buddhist learning. All four belong to the Nishiyama branch sect, which has now about 1,200 member temples. The main temple is the Komyoji Temple in Kyoto.
