Otani Kozui - Otani Kozui

The 22nd head priest of the Hongan-ji Temple of the Shinshu Hongan-ji School. His Buddhist name was Kyonyo, and he was known as Shin'ei-in. His father was Myonyo (Otani Koson). After graduating from Gakushuin, he studied in Europe. On his way back to Japan in 1902 (Meiji 35), he explored the Western Regions (the Otani Expedition), bringing back valuable materials from India, Central Asia, Tibet, and other places. The following year, in 1903, he succeeded his father as chief priest of Nishi Hongan-ji Temple. At the same time, he became head of the Hongan-ji School, but resigned from his position due to the Foundation Scandal in 1914 (Taisho 3) and ran businesses in China, the South Seas, and Turkey. He wrote many books, which are included in the Complete Works of Otani Kozui (1934-1935).

[Hiroshi Kitanishi, May 19, 2017]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

真宗本願寺派本願寺第22世宗主。法名は鏡如(きょうにょ)。信英院と号する。父は明如(みょうにょ)（大谷光尊(こうそん)）。学習院を卒業後、ヨーロッパに留学。1902年（明治35）帰国の途次、西域(せいいき)の探検を行い（大谷探検隊）、インド、中央アジア、チベットなどの貴重な資料を持ち帰った。翌1903年には父の死に伴い西本願寺住持を継職。同時に本願寺派管長となったが、1914年（大正3）財団疑獄事件のため職を辞し、中国、南洋、トルコで事業を経営した。著作は多く、『大谷光瑞全集』（1934～1935）に収められている。

［北西　弘　2017年5月19日］

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