A Life of Devotion and Calligraphy
Gōchō was a Buddhist monk, calligrapher, and monk born in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. He was the second son of Kando, the second priest of Senko-ji, a sub-temple of Anyo-ji. At the age of seven, he began his training under his teacher, Gōkyo, at Reigen-ji in Arao, Kumamoto. He later entered Mount Hiei's Enryaku-ji at sixteen, where he underwent thirteen years of training. Through his studies, he attained the rank of Dai-ajari and received the title of Kan'un.
As a calligrapher, Gōchō developed a unique style using karasumi (Chinese ink). He was recognized as one of the "Three Calligraphers of Higo" alongside Kitajima Setsuzan and Akiyama Gyokuzan. His scholarly pursuits included works such as Sanjō Kaigai and various commentaries on Buddhist sutras.
Spiritual Legacy and Works
Gōchō's spiritual life was deeply rooted in Esoteric Buddhism, specifically the study of Chinese Esoteric Buddhism in Nagasaki. He was a dedicated practitioner of the Jizai (Fudō) and Juntei (Ushnishavijaya) traditions, making the Ushnishavijaya Bodhisattva his object of devotion. His life was marked by a commitment to strict precepts and the construction of numerous Buddhist pagodas.
His artistic and religious contributions include:
