Myoe Shonin (1173-1232) was a great figure in
Japanese culture. He was ordained as a
Buddhist monk of the
Shingon school of
Mikkyo but also became a master of the
Kegon school.
At a time when the old schools of Buddhism were splintering into new factions and movements, Myoe tried to emphasize what was common to all of Buddhism.
While he is especially famous for his journal of dreams and visions, he was continuously active throughout the day in many fields. Many of his poems were as influential as his conduct as a man of great integrity.