Distinguished is level 3 of 4 in the China Hall of Fame: sustained excellence over a career, widely honoured at home. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
A Tang dynasty monk who, after five failed attempts and the loss of his sight, reached Japan and established the Buddhist rules of ordination there.
Invited to Japan to ordain monks properly, Jianzhen made five unsuccessful attempts to cross the sea over more than ten years, losing his eyesight along the way. He arrived in 753 and founded Toshodai-ji temple in Nara.
He brought with him not only Buddhist teaching but knowledge of medicine, architecture and art, and is honoured in both China and Japan as a symbol of their friendship.
He brought with him not only Buddhist teaching but knowledge of medicine, architecture and art, and is honoured in both China and Japan as a symbol of their friendship.
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