Gyokei (行慶)

Gyokei (year of birth unknown-August 31, 1165) was a priest of the Tendai sect in the late Heian period. His father was Emperor Shirakawa. His mother was the daughter of MINAMOTO no Masanaga who was the Bicchu no Kami (governor of the Bicchu Province). He was also called "Koma Sojo" and "Sakurai Sojo."

Gyokei became a priest living in the Onjo-ji Temple and was appointed to Daisojo (a Buddhist priest of the highest order) in 1128. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Shitenno-ji betto (the head priest of Shitenno-ji Temple) in 1135 and the Chori (chief priest) of the Onjo-ji Temple in 1152. Gyokei served three periods of emperors, including Emperor Konoe, Emperor Goshirakawa and Emperor Nijo as a Gojiso (a priest who prays to guard the emperor) and is said to have been particularly highly trusted by Emperor Goshirakawa. Additionally, he served as a precepts priest when FUJIWARA no Tadamichi entered into the priesthood.

[Original Japanese]