Yokan
Yokan
永観 (1033–1111)
Also known as Eikan. A priest of the Three Treatises (Sanron) school and a precursor of the Pure Land (Jodo) school in Japan.
He was born in Kyoto, where he entered the priesthood in 1043 and studied Esoteric Buddhism as a disciple of Jinkan of Zenrin-ji temple.
In the following year he went to Todai-ji temple and studied the doctrines of the Three Treatises, Dharma Characteristics (Hosso), and Flower Garland (Kegon) schools.
He then practiced the Nembutsu, or the recitation of Amida Buddha's name. Later he retired to Komyozan-ji temple in Yamashiro Province where he devoted himself to practicing the Nembutsu.
After a decade of such practice, he returned to Todai-ji temple and in 1100 was appointed its superintendent.
He again left the temple, however, to practice and disseminate the Nembutsu.
Yokan wrote The Ten Conditions for Rebirth in the Pure Land and The Rituals of the Assembly for Rebirth in the Pure Land.
