Daochuo

Born in 562 and active during the Sui and early Tang periods, Daochuo was a Chinese Buddhist monk later honored as an important patriarch of Pure Land Buddhism. Earlier in his career he studied and taught Buddhist scriptures, but he became especially known for turning to Pure Land practice after encountering the legacy of the monk Tanluan.

Daochuo taught that people living in a spiritually difficult age should rely on the compassionate vow of Amitabha Buddha rather than on demanding practices suited to exceptional adepts. He is remembered for explaining Buddhism in terms of an "easy path" and a more difficult path, and for encouraging recitation and devotion centered on rebirth in the Pure Land.

He died in 645, but his influence lasted well beyond his lifetime. Later Pure Land traditions in China and Japan treated him as a major formative figure, and his teachings helped prepare the ground for later masters such as Shandao.