Hakuin Ekaku

Hakuin Ekaku (Japanese白 隠 慧 鹤, also Hakuin, * 1686, the post office Hara (today Numazu ) in the province of Suruga, † 1769) is considered the father of modern Rinzai Shuu ( a sense of Zen - Buddhism). He reformed and renewed since the 14th century gradually decaying Rinzai line, by as pure as possible, ie simple practices taught and understood formulated for easy lay.

In his writings he denounces with biting irony to the intellektualisierende dilution of Zen practice, which then became evident in Japanese Zen. The price vocals of zazen, he illustrates the basic necessity of sitting in contemplation ( zazen ) for the realization of enlightenment. He dealt with the 'Zen ' disease and developed a method for their cure. Hakuin was not only a great Zen master, but also a great teacher, painter and calligraphy master. His style of Zen training emphasizes the importance of Kōan practice. One of the most famous Kōan is Hakuin Sekishu "What is the clapping of one hand? ".