The monk Kukai (774-835) traveled to China in 804. In China he studied Buddhist tantra, and he returned two years later to establish the esoteric school of Shingon Buddhism. In 816 he established a monastery on Mount Koya, about 50 miles south of Kyoto.
For the next 15 years, Kukai taught a small group of disciples on Mount Koya. But then he was appointed abbot of the state temple in Kyoto. Some time later he was named presiding priest of the inner sanctuary of the imperial palace.
According to legend, at the height of his fame and success Kukai had himself buried alive on Mount Koya while in deep meditation. It is said Kukai is not dead but still meditating. Food offerings are left by his tomb to this day.