Master Ingen Posthumously Bestowed the Title "Grand Master of Strict Unity" by the Japanese Emperor: Pride for Fuqing Compatriots in Japan

This year marks the 350th anniversary of the passing of Master Ingen, a prominent Chinese monk and founder of the Japanese Obaku Sect. On February 25, the Imperial Household Agency of Japan issued an official certificate to the Japanese Obaku Sect, conferring upon Master Ingen the posthumous title "Grand Master of Strict Unity" by the Japanese Emperor. This is the seventh time Master Ingen has been honored by the Japanese Imperial Family。

On the same day, the Imperial Household Agency presented an official certificate to the Japanese Obaku Sect. The inscription read: “True Void Radiant Light Grand Master, posthumously titled Grand Master of Strict Unity, February 25, Reiwa 4,” bearing the Emperor’s seal。

Chen Xi, Chairman of the Japanese Huangbo Cultural Promotion Association; Wu Qilong, President of the Japan Fujian Economic and Cultural Promotion Association; Ryūji Watanabe, President of the Fuqing Chamber of Commerce in Japan; and Liu Lisheng, President of the Asia-Pacific Tourism Agency, were among the Fuqing compatriots in Japan who participated in the related events。

Fuqing, Fujian, is Master Ingen’s hometown. In 1654, he traveled from Manpukuji Temple on Huangbo Mountain in Fuqing to Japan. In 1661, he established Manpukuji Temple on Obakusan in Kyoto and founded the Obaku Sect. In Japan, Master Ingen not only disseminated Buddhist teachings but also introduced advanced cultural and scientific knowledge, significantly impacting the economic and social development of the Edo period。Master Ingen is also highly revered in China as an eminent monk and virtuous leader. He made historic contributions to cultural exchange and mutual learning between the peoples of China and Japan。

It is understood that before, in order to commemorate his cultural achievements, the Japanese royal family has bestowed titles on Ingen six times since the first title was bestowed on him on April 2, 1673, the day before his death. They are: in 1673, Emperor Go-Mizunoo bestowed the title "National Master of Great Light and Illumination"; in 1722, Emperor Retired Emperor Retired Emperor Go-Sakuramachi added the posthumous title "National Master of Keishan's First Departure"; in 1822, Emperor Retired Emperor Kokaku added the posthumous title "National Master of Awakening and Enlightenment"; in 1917, Emperor Taisho added the posthumous title "Master of True Emptiness"; in 1972, Emperor Showa added the posthumous title "Master of Huaguang"。

The seventh title, Gento Daishi (Grand Master of Strict Unity), once again reflects the Japanese people's respect for the origins of Chinese culture and their appreciation for the tradition of Sino-Japanese friendship. The publicity surrounding this new title in both countries will further enhance grassroots cultural exchanges and friendship。

Why Has Master Ingen Been Posthumously Honored Seven Times by the Japanese Imperial Family?

This year marks the 350th anniversary of Master Ingen’s passing. The Japanese Obaku Sect established the "350th Anniversary of Master Ingen Memorial Committee" early on, aiming to collaborate with Chinese Huangbo-related associations to organize grand commemorative events and continue the legacy of Sino-Japanese friendship。

During the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties, Master Ingen, a renowned Chinese monk and abbot of Manpukuji Temple on Huangbo Mountain in Fuqing, Fujian, was invited to Japan to spread Buddhism. The Tokugawa shogunate highly respected Master Ingen and persuaded him to stay and establish a new sect. Later, the Japanese Imperial Family granted him land near Uji in Kyoto to build a temple.Master Ingen named the newly built temple "Manpukuji" and founded the Obaku Sect, which remains one of the main schools of Buddhism in Japan today。

During the same period, numerous Chinese immigrants led by Master Ingen traveled to Japan. They not only spread Buddhist teachings but also introduced Chinese culture, including philosophy, architecture, sculpture, printing, painting, calligraphy, seal carving, music, language, literature, cuisine, Sencha (steeped tea), pharmaceuticals, and medicine. These contributions, later known as "Huangbo Culture," profoundly influenced Japan during the Edo period and continue to resonate today. Master Ingen is thus honored as a "Cultural Benefactor of Japan。

"In 1972, the 300th anniversary of Master Ingen’s passing, Emperor Showa posthumously conferred upon him the title Kakko Daishi (Master of Radiant Light). That same year, Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations were normalized, and the two countries formally established diplomatic ties。

In 2022, the 50th anniversary of Sino-Japanese diplomatic normalization, China and Japan, as close neighbors separated by a narrow strip of water, continue their tradition of peace and friendship, the main theme of their 2,000-year history. Mutual learning and exchange have fostered development in both nations and contributed significantly to the advancement of human civilization。