Keien (慶円)

Keien (also read as 'kyoen;' 1140 - February 28, 1223) was a priest who established Shinbutsu ryobu shiso (the idea of Dual-Shinto and Buddhism) during the early part of the Kamakura period. His homyo (a name given to a person who enters the Buddhist priesthood) was Zenkan. His go (pen name) was Jimyo. He was also called Miwa Shonin (Saint Miwa). He was born in the Kyushu region.

He studied with the Hosso sect at Abe-dera Temple in Sakurai (in Nara Prefecture), and later he studied with the Hirosawa Lineage of Tomitsu (Shingon sect's esoteric teaching) under Gyonin in Mt. Yoshino, Yamato Province, and he studied with the Kongooin Lineage as well. He founded Miwa-bessho (remote religious facilities from main temple facilities) (later Byodo-ji Temple in Sakurai City). He founded Jinko-in Temple in 1217. He is also revered at Kamigamo-jinja Shrine (Kita Ward, Kyoto City).

[Original Japanese]