Gempo Yamamoto

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Gempo Yamamoto (1866-1961), served as abbot of Ryutakuji Temple near Mount Fuji in Japan and was also temporarily head clergy of the Myoshin-ji school of Zen. He was a Rinzai Zen Buddhist priest whom followed in the footsteps of the famous Master Hakuin Ekaku. Like so many prolific Zen masters throughout the ages, Yamamoto had no formal education. By today's standards Gempo would be deemed legally blind, and it was not until later in life that he was able to write and read. At the age of 25 he became ordained as a monk, travelling during this period to various temples throughout Japan. Yamamoto is probably most remembered for his many zenga paintings, which can be found hanging at Ryutakuji today.