Friday, May 18, 2012

"till all be fulfilled" - Zen Teacher Hakuin


Looking at Tokyo

Zen Teacher Hakuin

One of the most prestigious Zen monks of Japan is Hakuin who lived in the samurai era.
Hakuin Ekaku (1686 - 1768) was one of the most influential figures in Japanese Zen Buddhism. He revived the Rinzai school from a moribund period of stagnation, refocusing it on its traditionally rigorous training methods integrating meditation and koan practice.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakuin_Ekaku
He was also unique as he draw many interesting ink paintings.

http://www.city.nakatsugawa.gifu.jp/wiki/%E6%9C%A8%E9%A1%8D%E3%83%BB%E7%99%BD%E9%9A%A0%E7%A6%85%E5%B8%AB%E6%9B%B8

http://samurai-ot-blog.blogspot.jp/2011/09/blog-post.html

One day a samurai came to see Hakuin as he wanted to know how wise famous Hakuin was.  So the samurai asked, "What and where are the paradise and the hell, Sir?"

Hakuin shouted at him, "Aren't you a samurai? Why should a samurai mind the paradise and the hell?  Be a samurai and behave like a samurai.  If you cannot, you are not a real samurai."  Hakuin continued to rail against the samurai without taking it easy on him.

So, the samurai got angry as he realized that Hakuin was having him in derision.  He drew a sword to really cut down the Buddhist priest reviling him so harshly like a demon full of malice.  But, at the moment, Hakuin shouted at him, "It is the hell!"  The samurai stopped his movement.  He saw Hakuin who looked august and grave.  Then the samurai hid the sword and prostrated himself before old priest Hakuin.  And, at the moment, Hakuin said, "It is the paradise!"

Then Hakuin broke into a big smile so majestically. 


*** *** *** ***



Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.