Enni

Enni Ben'en (圓爾辯圓; 1 November 1202 – 10 November 1280) or simply Enni, also known as Shōichi Kokushi,^[1] was a Japanese Buddhist monk. He started his Buddhist training as a Tendai monk. While he was studying with Eisai, a vision of Sugawara no Michizane appeared to him in a dream and told him to go to China and study meditation. Following this vision, he met the Rinzai teacher Wuzhun Shifan in China, and studied Mahayana with him.^[2] When he returned to Japan, after founding Jōten-ji temple in Hakata (Fukuoka), he founded Tōfuku-ji monastery in Kyoto, and practiced Zen as well as other types of Buddhism. His disciples included Mujū.

Born1 November 1202
(15th day, 10th month, Kennin 5)

Shizuoka, Japan

Died10 November 1280 (age 78)
(17th day, 10th month, Kōan 3)

Mount Kōya, Japan

ReligionBuddhism

SchoolMahayana Buddhism, Rinzai, Tendai

Quick facts Personal life, Born ...

Enni Ben'en
圓爾辯圓
Painting of Enni by the monk Kichizan Minchō. Kamakura period, 14th century
Personal life
Born	1 November 1202 (15th day, 10th month, Kennin 5) Shizuoka, Japan
Died	10 November 1280 (age 78) (17th day, 10th month, Kōan 3) Mount Kōya, Japan
Religious life
Religion	Buddhism
School	Mahayana Buddhism, Rinzai, Tendai
Senior posting
Teacher	Eisai, Wuzhun Shifan

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It is traditionally believed that Enni was one of the monks who introduced noodles to Japan from China.^[3]

The origin of the most famous festival in Fukuoka City, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa is believed to date back to 1241 and is closely related to Enni. He had people carry him around the town on a float while praying against the plague and eventually getting successfully rid of it. Thus in remembrance, it became an annual event.^[4]