| History |  |
 |
Nanboku−cho Period
- 1337 : The abdicated Emperor Hanazono received a Certification of spiritual achievement (印可：Inka), from Daito Kokushi (大燈国師,Syuho Myocho 宗峰妙超), the founder of Daitokuji Temple. Syuho Myocho, ill in bed, recommended the A.E. Hanazono to continue the practice under Myocho's disciple Kanzan Egen(関山慧玄) as a teacher on the request of the A.E. Hanazono. The A.E. Hanazono converted Imperial Villa into a temple to be Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple (正法山 妙心寺). Syuho Myocho passed away on December 22, 1337.
Hoku−cho Period
- 1338 : The Emperor, following Shuho's death, built the Gyokuho-in (玉鳳院) and continued his Zen practice under Kanzan Egen.
- 1347 : The A.E. Hanazono wrote "Onen no Goshinkan (往年の御宸翰- Emperor's holograph letter)".
- 1348 : The A.E. Hanazono passed away at the age of 52.
- 1360 : Kanzan Egen (Hon-nu Enjyo Kokushi - 本有円成国師, Muso Daishi - 無相大師) passed away at the age of 84.
- 1361 : On Kanzan's death Jyuo Sohitsu (授翁宗弼), his disciple, succeeded.
- 1380 : Jyuo Sohitsu (Enkan Kokushi - 円鑑国師, Mimyo Daishi - 微妙大師) passed away at the age of 85.
Muromachi Period
- 1399 : Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (足利義満) confiscated Myoshinji Temple during the Oei War. Setsudo Soboku (拙堂宗朴), the 6th Chief Abbot of Myoshinji Temple, was confined in Seiren-in(青蓮院). The Myoshin's name was changed to Ryounji Temple (龍雲寺) and the temple was placed under the control of the Nanzenji School.
- 1432 : Nippo Soshun (日峰宗舜) restored Myoshinji Temple.
- 1467 : Myoshinji Temple and Ryoanji Temple were burned during the Onin War.
- 1477 : Sekko Soshin (雪江宗深), the sixth abbot, rebuilt Myoshinji Temple.
- 1509 : The temple precincts were expanded through acquisition of property from the nearby Ninnaji Temple (仁和寺) by Riteini (利貞尼).
Edo Period
- 1615 : The Edo shogunate enacted the law of temple "Ji'in hatto (寺院法度)". Myoshinji Temple was placed under the control of the Edo shogunate.
- 1629 : Zen monks of Myoshinji Temple and Daitokuji Temple protested against the law, however, four monks, Tanden Shi'in (単伝士印), Takuan Soho (沢庵宗彭), were punished. This is called "Shie (紫衣- Purple color robe) incident".
Meiji Period
- 1868 : "Shinbutu-bunri-rei (神仏分離- separating Shintoism from Buddhism)" was issued. "Haibutsu-kisyaku（廃仏棄釋- suppression of Buddhism）" occurred in many Places throughout the country. Many temples, statues of Buddha and sutras were destroyed. Myoshinji Temple was also influenced thereby. However, during Meiji era, the present administrative system of Myoshinji Temple's "Zen Monastery" as well as (般若林- Prajna Forest School)" was established. "Hannya-rin" is the forerunner of Hanazono University and Hanazono High School of today. |
See the tabloid
