Gudō Toshoku, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Gudō Toshoku

Japanese Buddhist monk

Date of Birth: 25-Apr-1577

Place of Birth: Ōmori, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Date of Death: 22-Nov-1661

Profession: bhikkhu

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Gudo Toshoku (1577–1661) was a Japanese Rinzai school zen monk from the early Tokugawa period.
He was a leading figure in the Otokan lineage of the Myoshin-ji, where he led a reform movement to revitalize the practice of Rinzai.
He served three times as abbot of Myoshin-ji.
Among his leading disciples was Shido Bunan (1603–1676), from whose line came the great reformer Hakuin Ekaku (1685–1768).
The illustrious Zen preacher Bankei Yotaku earlier in life wanted to meet Gudo and receive confirmation of enlightenment, but narrowly missed seeing him at his Daisen-ji temple in Mino province (today's Gifu prefecture) because the master was visiting up in Edo (Tokyo).
Gudo received the posthumous title Daien Hôkan Kokushi (national teacher).
He left no written words.