Shan-tao　善導 Shan-tao (613-181) was a Chinese Pure Land master during the early T’ang Dynasty, and the fifth of the Seven Masters of Jodo Shinshu. He received the Pure Land teaching from Tao-ch’o (562-645), and wrote five works in nine fascicles, including the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra. He taught that even foolish beings could be born in the fulfilled land of Amida Buddha in opposition to the negative scholarly interpretations which were popular in those days. His whole life was dedicated to the dissemination of the Pure Land teaching. His teaching was inherited by Hōnen (1133-1212), who laid the foundation of Rennyo’s understanding of Shan-tao, especially his interpretation of the six-character Name.