Kenninji is a temple of the Zen sect, one of the main branches
of Japanese Buddhism. Buddhism, founded approximately 2,500
years ago in India by Shakyamuni Buddha, teaches that the
inherent suffering of life can be transcended through
equanimity, wisdom, and compassion. The Zen sect, dating back to
sixth-century China, seeks the realization of this ideal through
a strict training system stressing work and meditation. At
present, there are three branches of Zen in Japan - the Rinzai
Soutou and Oubaku schools. Kenninji belongs to the Rinzai
tradition. The temple was founded in 1202 by the priest Yousai
(1141-1215). Yousai, the founder of Kenninji, was ordained at
age fourteen and entered the major monastic center on Mt. Hiei
to study under the Tendai tradition. He made the voyage to China
twice during his lifetime, the first time to pursue Tendai
studies and the second time with an intention to reach India.
His voyage to India was unrealized because of unstable
conditions in Central Asia at the time; however, h