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Born in 1275 in Ise Province (present-day Mie). He entered the monastery at 8, studied at Hiei and Nara's great temples, then trained in Zen at Kencho-ji and Engaku-ji in Kamakura. Wandering in search of a true teacher, he attained enlightenment and became a celebrated Zen master, earning the devotion of both Emperor Go-Daigo and Ashikaga Takauji. After Go-Daigo died at Yoshino, Muso urged the brothers Takauji and Tadayoshi to build Tenryu-ji (Ukyo, Kyoto) to pray for the emperor's soul (1339). He also recommended sending trade ships to Yuan China (the "Tenryu-ji ships") to fund its construction. Granted the title of National Teacher (kokushi) by seven reigns—Go-Daigo, Komyo, Suko, Go-Kogon, Go-Murakami, Chokei, and Go-Kameyama—he was called "Imperial Tutor of Seven Reigns." Alongside his Zen practice he displayed remarkable talent for garden design, creating celebrated gardens at Saihoji (Moss Temple, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tenryu-ji (also a World Heritage Site), Erin-ji, Eiho-ji, Zuisen-ji, and others, forming one of the sources of the karesansui (dry landscape) tradition. He led the development of Five Mountains (Gozan) literature and became the spiritual pillar of Muromachi culture. He died in 1351 at age 77.

A rare religious figure revered by both Southern and Northern courts, transcending political conflict. He deeply loved nature and possessed extraordinary artistic sensitivity for expressing Zen through gardens.

A Zen monk who revolutionized Japanese garden history. Saiho-ji and Tenryu-ji gardens are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. He became the spiritual pillar of Muromachi culture—Five Mountains literature, gardens, and tea.