History

In 1338,at the invitation of the regional lord, Kikuchi Takeshige, Daichi Zenji came tothe mountains of central Kyushu and founded Shogoji, where he lived, trained,and taught for more than 20 years. Daichi Zenji moved on to Kofukuji in Tamana, and passed away in 1366 atSuigetsu-an in Kazusa. However,activity at Shogoji continued for many generations—the grave of the 9^thabbot, Reishun, can still be seen next to the grave of Daichi Zenji.

Overtime, Shogoji fell into disrepair and for many years was abandoned.  In 1932, Murakami Sodo-roshi climbedthe mountain to Shogoji and began to rebuild. By the time of his death in 1964, he had build the current hatto (dharma hall) and kuin (kitchen and dining hall).  The work at Shogoji was passed on tohis disciple, Suzuki Soden-roshi, whose efforts brought about the hokyoin (stupa) and bussoku-seki (altar of Buddha’sfootprints). After Soden-roshi’spassing in 1973, Narasaki Ikko-roshi, abbot of Zuioji Monastery in EhimePrefecture, was asked to be the new abbot. Under his direction, Shogoji took on its present form as anInternational Zen Dojo, complete with a new sodo (monks’ hall), shuryo (monks’study quarters) and koki-an (abbot’s quarters).

Thefirst International Open Ango was held in 1993, and has been held every yearsince. Since NarasakiIkko-roshi’s death in 1996, the training at Shogoji has continued under theguidance and leadership of the new abbot, Narasaki Tsugen-roshi.  Every summer in the International OpenAngo, and throughout the year, monks and laypersons from Japan and around theworld train together, crossing cultural lines to preserve the traditions of thepast.