Art, History, and Heritage
About Kōdō Sawaki
Kodo Sawaki, born on June 16, 1880, and passed away on December 21, 1965, was a well-known Zen teacher in Japan during the 20th century.
He is highly regarded for his efforts in introducing Zen practice to ordinary people and promoting the traditional practice of sewing the kesa.
Peter Sloterdijk has recognized him as one of the most remarkable Zen masters in recent history.
The most prominent Sōtō Zen Buddhists around the world
Sōtō Zen or the Sōtō school is the largest of the three traditional sects of Zen in Japanese Buddhism.
It is the Japanese line of the Chinese Cáodòng school, which was founded during the Tang dynasty by Dòngshān Liánjiè.
It emphasizes Shikantaza, meditation with no objects, anchors, or content.
The meditator strives to be aware of the stream of thoughts, allowing them to arise and pass away without interference.
With about 14,000 temples, Sōtō .
Zen Buddhist monks – The unchanging essential nature
According to tradition, Chan was introduced around 500 CE by Bodhidharma, an Indian monk teaching dhyāna.
Zen is deeply rooted in the teachings and doctrines of Mahāyāna Buddhism.
Mahayana Buddhism teaches śūnyatā, "emptiness", which is also emphasized by Zen.
But another important doctrine is the buddha-nature, the idea that all human beings have the possibility to awaken.
All living creatures are supposed to have the Buddha-nature, but don't realize this as long as they are not .
