Zen Master

Sawaki Kodo Roshi - Zen Master. 

Sawaki Kodo Roshi was a Japanese Zen master, poet and calligrapher who lived from 1880 to 1965. He was born in the city of Hiroshima and later became an influential figure in the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. Sawaki Kodo Roshi is best known for his unique approach to teaching Zen, which emphasized direct experience over intellectual understanding.

Sawaki's early life saw him exposed to various religious traditions, including Christianity and Shintoism, but it was not until he encountered Zen that he found the spiritual path he sought. He began practicing under a Rinzai master named Koho Sawada, at the age of 17, and eventually became his successor after studying for many years.

As a teacher, Sawaki Kodo Roshi emphasized the importance of direct experience in Zen practice. He believed that intellectual understanding alone was not enough to truly grasp the essence of Zen. Instead, he encouraged students to engage in physical practices such as zazen (sitting meditation) and shikantaza (just sitting), which would lead them to directly experience the nature of reality.

Sawaki Kodo Roshi also placed great importance on the role of poetry and calligraphy in Zen practice, believing that these artistic expressions could help practitioners develop a deeper understanding of their own minds and the world around them. He himself was an accomplished poet and calligrapher, which further solidified his reputation as a unique figure within Japanese Buddhism.

In addition to his teachings on direct experience and the role of art in Zen practice, Sawaki Kodo Roshi also emphasized the importance of compassion and kindness towards all living beings. He believed that true spiritual growth could only be achieved if one cultivated both wisdom and loving-kindness within oneself.

Sawaki's teachings had a profound impact on Japanese society during his lifetime, as he helped to revitalize interest in Zen Buddhism and introduced it to new generations of practitioners. Today, Sawaki Kodo Roshi is remembered not only for his unique approach to teaching Zen but also for the many students who went on to become influential teachers themselves, carrying forward his teachings into future generations.

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