Doji - Doji

A Sanron sect monk from the Nara period. His secular surname was Nukata. He was from Sono Shimo County, Yamato Province (Nara Prefecture). He studied Sanron under Chizo of Horyu-ji Temple and Hosso under Gien of Ryumon-ji Temple. In 702 (Taiho 2), he accompanied the Japanese envoy Awata no Mahito to China, where he learned the secrets of Sanron and was initiated into esoteric Buddhism by Zenmui. He returned to Japan in 718 (Yoro 2) and devoted himself to the relocation of Yamato Daian-ji Temple to Heijyo, and later lived there, where he lectured and popularized Sanron vigorously. He is known as the third disciple of the Sanron sect. He was appointed as a priest in October 729 (Tenpyo 1), and was in charge of the relocation of Daian-ji Temple to Heijo-kyo, and is said to have participated in the compilation of the Nihon Shoki. He founded a group to recite the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, and served as a lecturer at the Saisho-e in the Imperial Court, and was highly trusted by Emperor Shomu. He passed away in October 729 (Tenpyo 16) at the age of over 70.

[Takahisa Ito September 19, 2017]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

奈良時代の三論(さんろん)宗の僧。俗姓は額田(ぬかた)氏。大和(やまと)国（奈良県）添下(そうのしも)郡の人。法隆寺の智蔵(ちぞう)に三論を学び、竜門(りゅうもん)寺の義淵(ぎえん)に法相(ほっそう)を習う。702年（大宝2）に遣唐使粟田真人(あわたのまひと)に従って入唐(にっとう)し、三論の奥旨を学び、善無畏(ぜんむい)より密教を伝授されたという。718年（養老2）に帰国して大和大安寺の平城移建に尽くし、のち住して盛んに三論を講説し広めた。三論宗の第三伝と称される。729年（天平1）10月に律師に任命され、平城京への大安寺の遷造の任にあたり、また『日本書紀』の編纂(へんさん)に参画したとされる。『大般若経(だいはんにゃきょう)』の転読会を創始し、宮中の最勝会(さいしょうえ)の講師(こうじ)を勤めるなど、聖武(しょうむ)帝の信任が厚かった。天平(てんぴょう)16年10月、七十余歳で入寂した。

［伊藤隆寿　2017年9月19日］

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