National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

Daiesoko (1089 to 1163), one of the greatest Zen priests in the early Southern Song period, learned under Engokokugon and succeeded his teachings. After serving at various temples, he became the chief priest of Koseimanjuzenji Temple of Kinzan, one of the five renowned Zen temples in China. Although he was forced to live a secluded life for 16 years, he became the chief priest of Korizenji Temple of Ikuozan in his later years. He then re-assumed the chief priesthood at the temple of Kinzan and died at the age of 75. This is a letter he wrote to the chief priest of Enkyoji Temple when he re-assumed the priesthood at the temple of Kinzan. The content of the letter suggests that when he wrote this letter, he was somewhere between 70 to 74 years old. This calligraphy was treasured by Matsudaira Fumai.