He was born in Yamashina Ward, entered the Buddhist priesthood at 12 years of age, and assumed as the position of hoshi (successor of principle) of Hongan-ji Temple, after the death of his older brother Shonyo (照如).
山科区にて生まれ、12歳の時に兄・照如の死を受けて得度して本願寺法嗣に定められる。