A Study of Hakuin Ekaku Zenji Sayings and Quotes

Description A Study of Hakuin Ekaku Zenji Sayings and Quotes is a compilation of a few teachings, texts and attributed texts, a highly influential figure in Japanese Zen Buddhism. Born in 1686 in Hara, Japan, Hakuin was a devout Nichiren Buddhist, inspired by a lecture he heard on the topic of the Eight Hot Hells. He became a monk at the age of fifteen, first at Shōin-ji and then at Daishō-ji, where he studied Buddhist texts, including the Lotus Sutra. However, he found the Lotus Sutra disappointing and eventually left Daishō-ji for Zensō-ji, where he was disheartened by the story of the murdered Chinese Ch'an master Yantou Quanhuo. After travelling and studying with various scholars, Hakuin had an enlightening experience at Eigen-ji, but his master refused to acknowledge it.