Kono Bukai

Kono Bukai (c. 1854–1934) was the abbot of Nanzen-ji, one of the most prestigious Rinzai monasteries in Kyoto and the head temple of the Nanzenji branch. He was known as a severe master whose demanding training methods upheld the traditional rigor of Rinzai monastic life.

His most notable student was Shibayama Zenkei, who would go on to become the head roshi of Nanzen-ji himself and author one of the finest modern commentaries on the Mumonkan. Kono's uncompromising training laid the foundation for Shibayama's deep understanding of the koan tradition.