Chōgen ［重源］ (1121–1206): Also known as Shunjō-bō. A Japanese priest noted as a restorer of Tōdai-ji temple and as a disseminator of the Pure Land teachings. He learned the esoteric teachings at Daigo-ji temple and received instruction in the Pure Land teachings from Hōnen, the founder of the Pure Land (Jōdo) school in Japan. In 1167 Chōgen traveled to China to study, and there he encountered Eisai, a Japanese priest who came to China in 1168. That year Chōgen returned to Japan together with Eisai, who would later found the Rinzai school of Zen. In 1181, on the recommendation of Hōnen, Chōgen was appointed to restore Tōdai-ji temple, which had been burned by the Taira clan the previous year. He devoted himself to raising funds to repair the great image of Vairochana Buddha housed at the temple and for the repair and reconstruction of the temple’s buildings. He completed the restoration with strong support from the Retired Emperor Goshirakawa, the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo, and other authorities. Thereafter he practiced the Pure Land teachings and erected many Pure Land temples. It is said that he made three journeys to China.