Takunyo (琢如)

Takunyo (1625 - May 22, 1671) was a Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land Sect Buddhism) priest and the 14th Hoshu (high priest) of the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple. His ingo (title given to a Buddhist priest) was Junneiin. His imina (personal name) was Koei. His gago (pseudonym) was Gugen. His childhood name was Chachamaro.

He was born the second son of Sennyo, the 13th Hoshu, and he was adopted by the Kujo family. He entered the Buddhist priesthood in 1639, and succeeded as the 14th Hoshu, upon retirement of his father in 1653. In 1664, he established Otani University within the premises of the Shoseien Garden. In November of the same year, he passed over the post of Hoshu to his eldest son, Jonyo, and retired. In 1670, sobyo (mausoleum containing the remains of one's ancestors: Otani Sobyo Grave) was transferred to Otani, Higashiyama Ward near the origin of Hongan-ji school, and Takunyo was involved in its construction.

He died on May 22, 1671 at the age of 47.

[Original Japanese]