• KANJIN

(687 A.C.   763 A.C.), also referred to as Kanshin or Ganjin, was a Chinese monk (Chien-Chen) from Yangchou who came to Japan in 754 A.C. and founded the Ritsu (vinaya) school of Buddhism.

It appears that ever since the inception of the Buddhist Order in Japan, Japanese monks seem to have been somewhat lax in disciplinary matters. To remedy this shortcoming emperor Shomu tried to invite an able teacher from China. For this purpose he, in 738 A.C. sent out the two monks Eiei and Fusho to China. These two met Kanjin and invited him to Japan. But as the reigning Chinese emperor was not favourably disposed towards Buddhism, Kanjin could not obtain imperial sanction for this journey. However, Kanjin being determined to make the trip secretly made several unsuccessful attempts to sail to Japan. It is said that on the fifth attempt he lost his sight. Yet, undaunted he tried once more and successfully reached Japan in April 754 A.C. He is said to have been accompanied by fourteen monks, three nuns and twenty-four lay male disciples. Kanjin and his followers are said to have brought along with them a number of vinaya commentaries and important texts of the Tendai School.

On his arrival in Japan Kanjin was ceremonially received by Shomu and a special monastery called Toshodaiji was built for his residence. At Kanjin's request a special Ordination Hall (kaidān), the first of its kind in Japan, was built in the precincts of the Todaiji temple in Nara.

The establishment of the kaidan at Todaiji in Nara is a significant event in the history of Japanese Buddhism. At the first ordination ceremony itself over fourhundred are said to have taken part. Since the kaidan was at Nara all who wished to obtain ordination had to go there. Official permission was not granted to establish any kaidan outside Nara, and hence, schools of Buddhism that prevailed at Nara enjoyed an almost monopolistic influence over the ordination. This was finally put to an end only by the zealous efforts of Degyo Daishi.