Chogen, the monk who governed province to rebuild Daibutsu and Todai-ji

Chogen (1121-1206) was a monk of Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism at the Heian and Kamakura period.
He is famous for his reconstruction of the Todai-ji temple and the Daibutsu-den hall (a hall for the huge statue of Buddha) in the temple.
According to legend, in his first half of life Chogen had experiences as a hijiri (the Buddhist missionary) and had been to China 3 times.
In addition some theory told that he met the monk Eisai (the founder of Rinzai sect) while they stayed in China.

In the former Genpei war between Minamoto clan and Taira clan in 1180, Todai-ji temple was burned by the warlord Taira no Shigehira of Taira clan.
The next year Chogen was appointed to the post to manage the project for the reconstruction of Todai-ji.
At this time Chogen was 61 years old already.
He managed to organize architects and missionaries who collect funds for the reconstruction.
Also he got support from Chinese architect Chin Wakei.
Chogen made 6 carts for touring places to collect funds, and even himself got on one of the carts and toured places.

In temporary he was given Suo (the eastern part of current Yamaguchi) province by Imperial court for his project.
From that he became kokushi (provincial governor) and was called "kokushi-shonin (the provincial governor saint)".
So he could have a right to get building materials and tax from these provinces.
But he had many obstacles on the process.
When he tried to get lumber in Suo province, local powerful families such as Ouchi clan interfered Chogen's business.
Also to get supporters who give fund to Chogen was difficult too.
Sometimes even he used dirty tricks to get powerful supporters.
He did everything to achieve success on the project.

He accomplished the reconstruction of Daibutsu (statue of Buddha) in 1185, then Daibutsu-den and some other buildings in Todai-ji in 1195.
He continued the project of reconstruction, however in 1206, he died.
He was 86 years old at the time.

Not only he dedicated his later life to the project, also he made various temples and maintained infrastructures at many places.
Especially in Yamaguchi prefecture, you can find many historical sites relating Chogen.
Even there is a daibutsu which was made of stone by Chogen in Houfu city.
Maybe it is fun to see and compare both daibutsu of Nara and Yamaguchi.