Yamada Mumon

Yamada Mumon (1900-1988) was a Rinzai Zen priest active in the Showa era. He was born in Aichi Prefecture. His secular name was Chojiro, and his chamber name was Tongsendong, also known as Taimuro. After graduating from Waseda Junior High School, he entered Toyo University, where he studied under Kawaguchi Huikai, and later transferred to Rinzai Shu University (now Hanazono University). In 1949, he became the abbot of Myoshinji Reiunin Temple and the president of Hanazono University, and in 1953, he became the master of Kobe Shofuku Monastery. In 1978, he became the 24th abbot of the Myoshinji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. He was known for his simple preaching, and also devoted himself to the memorial services for the war dead.