Aki Shizuku (雫 有希, Shizuku Aki) is a Japanese professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler signed to Pro-Wrestling…Aki Shizuku (雫 有希, Shizuku Aki) is a Japanese professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler signed to Pro-Wrestling Evolution (EVO). She is best known for her tenures with various promotions from the Japanese independent scene such as JWP Joshi Puroresu (JWP), Professional Wrestling Just Tap Out (JTO) and Ice Ribbon.
Tomu Tanigawa (谷川とむ, Tanigawa Tomu; born 27 April 1976) is a Japanese politician. He has been a member of the House of…Tomu Tanigawa (谷川とむ, Tanigawa Tomu; born 27 April 1976) is a Japanese politician. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2026, having previously served from 2014 to 2024. He is the son of Shuzen Tanigawa.
Kazuhiro Kobayashi (小林一大, Kobayashi Kazuhiro; born 12 June 1973) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the…Kazuhiro Kobayashi (小林一大, Kobayashi Kazuhiro; born 12 June 1973) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Councillors since 2022. From 2007 to 2022, he was a member of the Niigata Prefectural Assembly. He is the son of Ichizo Kobayashi.
Ruth Diana Lounsbury (born March 12, 1956), better known as Ruth Ozeki, is an American author, filmmaker and Zen…Ruth Diana Lounsbury (born March 12, 1956), better known as Ruth Ozeki, is an American author, filmmaker and Zen Buddhist priest. Her books and films, including the novels My Year of Meats (1998), All Over Creation (2003), A Tale for the Time Being (2013), and The Book of Form and Emptiness (2021), seek to integrate personal narrative and social issues, and deal with themes relating to science, technology, environmental politics, race, religion, war and global popular culture. Her novels have been translated into more than thirty languages. She teaches creative writing at Smith College, where she is the Grace Jarcho Ross 1933 Professor of Humanities in the Department of English Language and Literature.
Isshō Fujita (藤田 一照, Fujita Isshō; b. 18 April 1954) was born in Niihama, Ehime, Japan and was head teacher at Valley…Isshō Fujita (藤田 一照, Fujita Isshō; b. 18 April 1954) was born in Niihama, Ehime, Japan and was head teacher at Valley Zendo, a Sōtō Zen practice center in Charlemont, Massachusetts, USA. Fujita had done studies in child psychology at Tokyo University Graduate School, but abandoned them and became a Zen monk. At the age of twenty-nine, on 8 December, Fujita was ordained a Zen priest, along with Ryōdō Yamashita, by Kōhō Watanabe at Antai-ji temple. In 1987, Fujita assumed the role of abbot at Valley Zendo, where he lived until his return to Japan in 2005. From 2010 to 2018, he was the Director of the Soto Zen International Center.
Shunmyō Masuno (枡野 俊明, Masuno Shunmyō) (born 28 February 1953) is a Japanese monk and garden designer. He is chief…Shunmyō Masuno (枡野 俊明, Masuno Shunmyō) (born 28 February 1953) is a Japanese monk and garden designer. He is chief priest of the Sōtō Zen temple Kenkō-ji (建功寺), professor at Tama Art University, and president of a design firm that has completed numerous projects in Japan and overseas. He has been called "Japan's leading garden designer".
Shōhaku Okumura (奥村 正博, born June 22, 1948) is a Japanese Sōtō Zen priest and the founder and abbot of the Sanshin Zen…Shōhaku Okumura (奥村 正博, born June 22, 1948) is a Japanese Sōtō Zen priest and the founder and abbot of the Sanshin Zen Community located in Bloomington, Indiana, where he and his family currently live. From 1997 until 2010, Okumura also served as director of the Sōtō Zen Buddhism International Center in San Francisco, California, which is an administrative office of the Sōtō school of Japan.
Kenneth Ken'ichi Tanaka (born 1947), also known as Kenshin Tanaka or Ken'ichi Tanaka, is a scholar, author, translator…Kenneth Ken'ichi Tanaka (born 1947), also known as Kenshin Tanaka or Ken'ichi Tanaka, is a scholar, author, translator and ordained Jōdo Shinshū priest. He is author and editor of many articles and books on modern Buddhism.
Tarō Ishida (石田 太郎, Ishida Tarō; March 16, 1944 – September 21, 2013), born Gentarō Ishida (石田 弦太郎, Ishida Gentarō)…Tarō Ishida (石田 太郎, Ishida Tarō; March 16, 1944 – September 21, 2013), born Gentarō Ishida (石田 弦太郎, Ishida Gentarō), was a Japanese actor, voice actor, and Shin Buddhist priest from the city of Kyoto. He was affiliated with Granpapa Production.
Sōiku Shigematsu (重松 宗育, Shigematsu Sōiku; born October 13, 1943) is a Japanese priest of Myoshin-ji branch of Rinzai…Sōiku Shigematsu (重松 宗育, Shigematsu Sōiku; born October 13, 1943) is a Japanese priest of Myoshin-ji branch of Rinzai School of Zen Buddhism, abbot of Shōgen-ji Temple in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, author and translator of books and essays on Zen that were instrumental in spreading interest in Zen literary tradition to the West in the latter half of the 20th century. Shigematsu taught English literature at Shizuoka University also visiting the United States on several occasions, most notably in 1985-6 as a Fulbright scholar. He won the Jerome J. Shestack Poetry Prize from The American Poetry Review in 1987.
Dōzen Ueno (上野道善, born 1939) is a Japanese Buddhist priest of the Kegon school. From 2007 to 2010, he served as the…Dōzen Ueno (上野道善, born 1939) is a Japanese Buddhist priest of the Kegon school. From 2007 to 2010, he served as the 219th head priest (bettō) at Tōdai-ji. He currently presides as senior monk and is board chairman of the board of directors at Tōdaiji Gakuen.
Koshin Fujitani (藤谷 光信, Fujitani Kōshin; born January 1, 1937) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of…Koshin Fujitani (藤谷 光信, Fujitani Kōshin; born January 1, 1937) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A former member of the assembly of Yamaguchi Prefecture, he was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 2007. Fujitani is also an ordained Shin Buddhist priest within Honganji-ha.
Ekan Ikeguchi (池口恵観; born November 15, 1936) is a Japanese Shingon Buddhist priest, currently the High Priest of…Ekan Ikeguchi (池口恵観; born November 15, 1936) is a Japanese Shingon Buddhist priest, currently the High Priest of Saifukuji in Kagoshima and Shojoshin-in on Mount Koya. He holds a doctorate in medicine from Yamaguchi University and is an expert in the goma fire ritual. He has spoken at Harvard University and performed a ritual at the World Trade Center site in October 2001. In 1961 he was arrested for attempting a coup d'etat on the Japanese government. Since becoming abbot of Saifukuji he installed a shrine to North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. He frequently travels to North Korea, explaining that it is his way of apologizing for the brutality of Korea under Japanese rule. On the death of Kim Jong Il, he said, "I am overcome with sadness to hear of the passing of His Majesty Great Leader Kim Jong Il." In March 2013, he attempted to purchase the bankrupt headquarters of Chongryon for $48 million. He explained that the North Koreans asked him to maintain the building for Chongryon. He was unable to secure funds for the purchase, and in November 2014 Marunaka Holdings Co. purchased the property for ¥2.21 billion. Marunaka Holdings reportedly plans to ask Chongryon to vacate the property, despite protests from Pyongyang.
Fukui Fumimasa (June 6, 1934 – May 4, 2017) was a Japanese Buddhist scholar-monk, Sinology scholar and Tendai monk; he…Fukui Fumimasa (June 6, 1934 – May 4, 2017) was a Japanese Buddhist scholar-monk, Sinology scholar and Tendai monk; he was a monk in the highest grade. He was the chief monk at Yuishinin Temple, a temple within Nikkozan Rinnō-ji Temple located at Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture and was professor emeritus at Waseda University. His father was Fukui Kōjun, and his younger brother was Fukui Shigemasa. Both father and brother were Asian Studies scholars and Tendai Buddhist monks.
Keidō Fukushima (福島 慶道, Rōmaji: Fukushima Keidō, March 1, 1933 – March 1, 2011) was a Japanese Rinzai Zen master, head…Keidō Fukushima (福島 慶道, Rōmaji: Fukushima Keidō, March 1, 1933 – March 1, 2011) was a Japanese Rinzai Zen master, head abbot of Tōfuku-ji (one of the main branches of the Rinzai sect), centered in Kyoto, Japan. Because of openness to teaching Western students, he had considerable influence on the development of Rinzai Zen practice in the West.
Shundo Aoyama Rōshi is a Japanese Buddhist nun and abbess. She is the first nun to be appointed to the rank of…Shundo Aoyama Rōshi is a Japanese Buddhist nun and abbess. She is the first nun to be appointed to the rank of Daikyoshi (Great Teacher) in the Soto Zen school.
Hakuyū Taizan Maezumi (前角 博雄 Maezumi Hakuyū, February 24, 1931 – May 15, 1995) was a Japanese Sōtō Zen Buddhist priest…Hakuyū Taizan Maezumi (前角 博雄 Maezumi Hakuyū, February 24, 1931 – May 15, 1995) was a Japanese Sōtō Zen Buddhist priest who substantially contributed to development of Zen in the United States. In 1956 he was sent to the United States to serve as a priest for a Japanese-American congregation in Los Angeles. After taking English classes, Maezumi began holding zazen for Western students early in the 1960s, founding the Zen Center of Los Angeles in 1967. After studying koans with Hakuun Yasutani and lay-teacher Koryū Osaka, in his teachings and practice Maezumi combined Sōtō-style shikantaza with Harada Daiun Sogaku's kōan-curriculum, which uses both Rinzai and Soto kōan-collections. In 1979 Maezumi and his first dharma-heir Bernie Glassman informally conceived the White Plum Asanga, a "community of peers" of dharma-heirs of Maezumi and their successors, "represent[ing] the vision of Maezumi Roshi." Maezumi publicly admitted he was an alcoholic in 1983, coinciding with revelations that he had been having sexual relationships with some of his female students. Many students and several of his dharma heirs left the Zen Center of Los Angeles, founding their own Zen communities.
Jiun Aoki (青木 慈雲, Aoki Jiun; February 1929 – April 11, 1998) was a Japanese Buddhist monk and artist. He served as head…Jiun Aoki (青木 慈雲, Aoki Jiun; February 1929 – April 11, 1998) was a Japanese Buddhist monk and artist. He served as head priest at Daihon-zan Myōson-ji (大本山妙尊寺) in Mie Prefecture, Sōhon-zan Ryūkaku-ji (総本山龍覚寺) in Yamanashi Prefecture, and Myōkai-ji (妙海寺) in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Jikai Dainin Katagiri (片桐 大忍, Katagiri Dainin; January 19, 1928 – March 1, 1990), was a Sōtō Zen priest and teacher…Jikai Dainin Katagiri (片桐 大忍, Katagiri Dainin; January 19, 1928 – March 1, 1990), was a Sōtō Zen priest and teacher, and the founding abbot of Minnesota Zen Meditation Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he served from 1972 until his death from cancer in 1990. He is also the founder of Hokyoji Zen Practice Community in Eitzen, Minnesota. Before becoming first abbot of the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center, Katagiri had worked at the Zenshuji Soto Zen Mission in Los Angeles and had also been of great service to Shunryu Suzuki at the San Francisco Zen Center, particularly from 1969 until Suzuki's death in 1971. Katagiri was important in helping bring Zen Buddhism from Japan to the United States during its formative years. He is also the credited author of several books compiled from his talks.
Kōshū Itabashi (板橋 興宗, Itabashi Kōshū; 1927 – 5 July 2020) was a Sōtō Zen master who was the 23rd abbot of Sojiji…Kōshū Itabashi (板橋 興宗, Itabashi Kōshū; 1927 – 5 July 2020) was a Sōtō Zen master who was the 23rd abbot of Sojiji, abbot of Gotanjoji in Takefu, Fukui, and abbot of Daijoji in Kanazawa, Ishikawa all in Japan. He was born in Tagajo, Miyagi in 1927. He graduated from the Naval Academy of Japan in 1945. He also graduated in religious studies at Tohoku University in 1953. He became a Sōtō Zen monk according to Genshū Watanabe. He was trained in Sojiji and he studied under Giyen Inoue in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. He succeeded Ryūtan Matsumoto in Daijoji and became Tanto Roshi of Sojiji leading monks. He became Godo Roshi of Sojijisoin, abbot of Daijoji. He also devised chair Zazen. He was elected vice abbot of Sojij, and became the 23rd abbot of Sojiji and Sotozen Superintendent Master (Kancho) in 1998. He retired as abbot of Sojiji in 2002. He became abbot Sojijisoin. And he was revived Gotanjoji.
Shi Chuanyin (simplified Chinese: 释传印; traditional Chinese: 釋傳印; pinyin: Chuányìn; 30 January 1927 – 11 March 2023) was…Shi Chuanyin (simplified Chinese: 释传印; traditional Chinese: 釋傳印; pinyin: Chuányìn; 30 January 1927 – 11 March 2023) was a Chinese Buddhist monk, Chan master and religious leader. He was best known as Venerable Master of the Buddhist Association of China.
Morinaga Sōkō (盛永 宗興, Morinaga Sōkō; 2 August 1925 – 12 June 1995) was a Rinzai Rōshi. He was the abbot of Daishu-in, a…Morinaga Sōkō (盛永 宗興, Morinaga Sōkō; 2 August 1925 – 12 June 1995) was a Rinzai Rōshi. He was the abbot of Daishu-in, a sub-temple of the Myōshin-ji complex within Ryōan-ji. Between 1986 and 1994 he was president of Hanazono University.
Jakucho Setouchi (15 May 1922 – 9 November 2021; born Harumi Mitani), formerly known as Harumi Setouchi, was a Japanese…Jakucho Setouchi (15 May 1922 – 9 November 2021; born Harumi Mitani), formerly known as Harumi Setouchi, was a Japanese Buddhist nun, writer, and activist. Setouchi wrote a best-selling translation of The Tale of Genji and over 400 fictional biographical and historical novels. In 1997, she was honoured as a Person of Cultural Merit, and in 2006, she was awarded the Order of Culture of Japan.
Kosho Uchiyama (内山 興正, Uchiyama Kōshō; 1912 – March 13, 1998) was a Sōtō Zen monk, origami master, and abbot of…Kosho Uchiyama (内山 興正, Uchiyama Kōshō; 1912 – March 13, 1998) was a Sōtō Zen monk, origami master, and abbot of Antai-ji near Kyoto, Japan. Uchiyama was author of more than twenty books on Zen Buddhism and origami, of which the best known in the Western World are Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice and How to Cook Your Life: From the Zen Kitchen to Enlightenment.
Count Higashifushimi Kunihide (東伏見 邦英; 16 May 1910 – 1 January 2014) was the titular head of the…Count Higashifushimi Kunihide (東伏見 邦英; 16 May 1910 – 1 January 2014) was the titular head of the Higashifushimi-no-miya, an extinct branch of the Imperial House of Japan, and a Buddhist monk. He was the youngest brother of Empress Kōjun and was the maternal uncle of Emperor Emeritus Akihito. If he had kept his Imperial status, at the time of his death, at age 103, he would have been the longest-lived member, of the Imperial House of Japan. His Dharma name was Jigō (慈洽).
Sōen Nakagawa (中川 宋淵, Nakagawa Sōen; born Motoi Nakagawa; March 19, 1907 – March 11, 1984) was a Japanese rōshi and Zen…Sōen Nakagawa (中川 宋淵, Nakagawa Sōen; born Motoi Nakagawa; March 19, 1907 – March 11, 1984) was a Japanese rōshi and Zen Buddhist master in the Rinzai tradition. An enigmatic figure, Nakagawa had a major impact on Zen as it was practiced in the 20th century, both in Japan and abroad.
Shunryu Suzuki (鈴木 俊隆 Suzuki Shunryū, dharma name Shōgaku Shunryū 祥岳俊隆, often called Suzuki Roshi; May 18, 1904 –…Shunryu Suzuki (鈴木 俊隆 Suzuki Shunryū, dharma name Shōgaku Shunryū 祥岳俊隆, often called Suzuki Roshi; May 18, 1904 – December 4, 1971) was a Sōtō Zen monk and teacher who helped popularize Zen Buddhism in the United States, and is renowned for founding the first Zen Buddhist monastery outside Asia (Tassajara Zen Mountain Center). Suzuki founded San Francisco Zen Center which, along with its affiliate temples, comprises one of the most influential Zen organizations in the United States. A book of his teachings, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, is one of the most popular books on Zen and Buddhism in the West.
Ōmori Sōgen (大森 曹玄; 1904–1994) was a Japanese Rinzai Rōshi, a successor in the Tenryū-ji line of Rinzai Zen, and former…Ōmori Sōgen (大森 曹玄; 1904–1994) was a Japanese Rinzai Rōshi, a successor in the Tenryū-ji line of Rinzai Zen, and former president of Hanazono University, the Rinzai university in Kyoto, Japan. He became a priest in 1945.
Shōchō Hagami (葉上照澄; August 15, 1903 – March 7, 1989) was a Japanese great acharya (大阿闍梨) of Tendai Buddhism and one of…Shōchō Hagami (葉上照澄; August 15, 1903 – March 7, 1989) was a Japanese great acharya (大阿闍梨) of Tendai Buddhism and one of the most prominent Japanese Buddhists of the 20th century. He served as President of the Japanese Religious Committee for World Federation and advocated the need for the cooperation of religious leaders, which transcends religious and denominational boundaries. Hagami was originally a professor of German philosophy at Taisho University and in turn served as a journalist for the Sanyo Shimbun. However, the untimely death of his wife as well as the defeat of Japan at WWII triggered him to pursue religious life, whereby to help Japan restore itself from the postwar devastation. In 1946, he entered the Buddhist monastery at Mount Hiei, the headquarters of the Tendai school and the Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism. Hagami was the 39th monk in history who completed the ordeal of endurance, perseverance, and both physical and mental strength, known as Sennichi Kaihōgyō in Japanese (千日回峰行), or “thousand-day around-the-peaks training.” He also completed other ordeals such as a thousand days of Unshin Kaihōgyō (運心回峰行) and a thousand days of Hokke Zanmaigyō (法華三昧行). While fostering new generations of Japan for lives of influence and service, Hagami was actively engaged in promoting reconciliation and peaceful coexistence across the world. He appealed to Pope Paul VI and other religious leaders of the world to create an International League of all religious people of the whole world in order to end all the wars among religions as well as all the conflicts caused in the name of religions. Hagami once noted: “It is said that the root of all evil is human pride, obstinacy, human ego, class ego, racial ego, and national ego. Yet religion which is supposed, above all, to teach the casting away of ego, itself has the egoism of sects and religious institutions. And this is what makes me dislike religionists. . . . True religion is born from the abyss of despair. I believe that when it really becomes a question of whether mankind will survive or not, then religion will return to a purer position, and will set out in a great new direction.” Hagami maintained that for the advancement of world peace, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam must be reconciled, and that Japanese Buddhists—as religious people of the first victim of nuclear attack in human history—must serve as mediators for that reconciliation. Accordingly, he visited Egypt and the Vatican many times and established close friendships with the Egyptian President Anwar Sadat as well as with Cardinal Sergio Pignedoli of the Vatican. In July 1977, Hagami visited President Sadat and urged him to make peace with Israel. This was one of the triggers that led Sadat's dramatic journey to the Knesset in Israel. Sadat himself mentioned Hagami's impact on this initiation in his letter of gratitude to Hagami. At Hagami's suggestion, Sadat also sponsored a communal service in November 1979, gathering representatives of Islam, Judaism and Christianity at the foot of Mount Sinai on the occasion of the transfer of the Sinai Peninsula from Israel to Egypt. In October 1981, when Hagami learned about the assassination of Sadat, he felt personally responsible for Sadat's death. Sadat was said to have been killed for shaking hands with Jews, which Hagami urged Sadat to do. In March 1984, as a way, in part, to commemorate Sadat's death, Hagami organized a joint prayer meeting for world peace on Mount Sinai, by appealing to religious leaders in the US and Egypt. 130 people assembled there to represent Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Shinto, from the US, Egypt, Israel and Japan, and prayed for the speedy end of the Middle East War and performed different religious ceremonies according to the respective styles of rituals. In August 1987, Hagami invited prominent leaders of various religions of the world to hold the first Religious Summit Meeting on Mount Hiei, Japan, in order to advance peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, and acceptance of others. He visited Israel in 1988 and was acquainted with a variety of religious leaders and scholars such as André Chouraqui, R.J. Zwi Werblowsky, and Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu. To further advance interfaith dialogue, Hagami planned to hold a Religious Summit Meeting in Jerusalem but died before its fruition.
Kōgen Mizuno (水野 弘元, Mizuno Kōgen; November 19, 1901 – January 1, 2006) was a Japanese Buddhist monk of the Soto sect…Kōgen Mizuno (水野 弘元, Mizuno Kōgen; November 19, 1901 – January 1, 2006) was a Japanese Buddhist monk of the Soto sect and scholar of Early Buddhism. He served as president of Komazawa University where he attained the status of professor emeritus. He held a Doctorate of Letters degree from the (University of Tokyo) and had an honorary Doctorate of Literature degree from Nalanda University.
Mumon Yamada (山田 無文, Yamada Mumon; July 16, 1900 – December 24, 1988) was a Rinzai roshi, calligrapher, and former…Mumon Yamada (山田 無文, Yamada Mumon; July 16, 1900 – December 24, 1988) was a Rinzai roshi, calligrapher, and former abbot of Shōfuku-ji in Kobe, Japan. Mumon was also the former head of the Myōshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Japan. His most prominent student (and Dharma heir) is Shodo Harada of Sōgen-ji, an influential master in both Japan and the United States.
Tokutarō Sakurai (桜井徳太郎, Sakurai Tokutarō; 21 June 1897 – 28 December 1980) was a major general in the Imperial…Tokutarō Sakurai (桜井徳太郎, Sakurai Tokutarō; 21 June 1897 – 28 December 1980) was a major general in the Imperial Japanese Army, commanding Japanese ground forces in Burma during World War II.
The Most Venerable Etai Yamada (山田 恵諦, Yamada Etai; 1 December 1895– 22 February 1994) was the 253rd head priest of the…The Most Venerable Etai Yamada (山田 恵諦, Yamada Etai; 1 December 1895– 22 February 1994) was the 253rd head priest of the Japanese Tendai school of Mahayana Buddhism. In 1986, Yamada was invited by Pope John Paul II to be one of the few non-Christian religious leaders to attend the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, Italy. In 1987, he held a religious summit meeting on Mount Hiei near Kyoto. This event has been held annually to the present day, inviting religious leaders to gather to pray for worldwide peace and reconciliation. Yamada conducted ecumenical dialogues with religious leaders around the world based on his interpretation of the Lotus Sutra which culminated in a 1987 summit. He also used the Lotus Sutra to move his sect from a "temple Buddhism" perspective to one based on social engagement. Yamada received the Niwano Peace Prize in 1989, to date he is the only Japanese recipient of the award.
Zenkei Shibayama (柴山 全慶, Shibayama Zenkei; 1894 – 1974), a former Abbot of Nanzen-ji, was a Japanese Rinzai master well…Zenkei Shibayama (柴山 全慶, Shibayama Zenkei; 1894 – 1974), a former Abbot of Nanzen-ji, was a Japanese Rinzai master well known for his commentary on the Mumonkan. One of his better-known students was Keido Fukushima, abbot of Tōfuku-ji. Shibayama also taught at Otani University and was the head abbot of the entire Nanzenji Organization, overseeing the administration of over five hundred temples. Due to a number of lecture tours he undertook to the United States in the 1960s, and the translation of several of his books into English, Shibayama was a significant contributor to the establishment of Zen in America.
Sōgen Asahina (朝比奈宗源, Asahina Sōgen; January 9, 1891 – August 25, 1979) was an influential Japanese Rinzai zen master…Sōgen Asahina (朝比奈宗源, Asahina Sōgen; January 9, 1891 – August 25, 1979) was an influential Japanese Rinzai zen master and founder of Nippon wo Mamoru kai. He was also a prolific writer and a calligrapher. Born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Asahina graduated from Nihon University. He studied at Myōshin-ji in Kyoto and at Engaku-ji in Kamakura. He rose to become the head (kanchō (管長)) of the Engaku-ji branch of Rinzai Zen. Also, he was a professor at Komazawa University. Asahina's works include Zen (bilingual, English and Japanese; 1954), Nippon no Zen (1959) and commentaries on the Hekiganroku and Rinzairoku. Asahina was also an accomplished calligrapher. Television shows, including Mito Kōmon and Ōoka Echizen, featured his writing in their title screens. His writing can also be seen in the memorial to Gichin Funakoshi at Engaku-ji.
Dr. Reirin Yamada (山田 霊林, Yamada Reirin; 1889–1979) was a Sōtō Zen master who held many positions in his lifetime…Dr. Reirin Yamada (山田 霊林, Yamada Reirin; 1889–1979) was a Sōtō Zen master who held many positions in his lifetime, including 75th Abbot of Eiheiji in Japan, Abbot of Zenshuji in Los Angeles, California, and President of Komazawa University. He was also a strong supporter of the Japanese Imperial Army.
Yumeno Kyūsaku (夢野 久作; 4 January 1889 – 11 March 1936) was the pen name of Sugiyama Yasumichi (杉山 泰道), an early Shōwa…Yumeno Kyūsaku (夢野 久作; 4 January 1889 – 11 March 1936) was the pen name of Sugiyama Yasumichi (杉山 泰道), an early Shōwa period Japanese author, Zen priest, post office director and sub-lieutenant. The pen name roughly means "a person who always dreams". His Dharma name was Goshin-in Gin'en Taidō-koji (悟真院吟園泰道居士). He wrote detective novels and is known for his avant-gardism and his surrealistic, wildly imaginative and fantastic, even bizarre narratives.
Nichidatsu Fujii (藤井 日達, Fujii Nichidatsu; August 6, 1885 – January 9, 1985) was a Japanese Buddhist monk, and founder…Nichidatsu Fujii (藤井 日達, Fujii Nichidatsu; August 6, 1885 – January 9, 1985) was a Japanese Buddhist monk, and founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji order of Buddhism. He is best known for his decision in 1947 to begin constructing Peace Pagodas in many locations around the world as shrines to world peace. Fujii was born into a peasant family in the wilderness of the Aso Caldera. At the age of 19, he was ordained a monk in the unusually ascetic and intellectual tradition of Hōon-ji in Usuki, Ōita. He started missionary activities in Manchuria in 1917, but the Great Kanto earthquake made him return to Japan in 1923. After reading Nichiren's declaration that the Lotus Sutra would one day be preached in India, he decided to go there. He arrived in Calcutta in January 1931 and walked throughout the town chanting the daimoku and beating a drum, a practice known as gyakku shōdai. In 1933, he met Mahatma Gandhi at his ashram in Wardha. Gandhi was honored by his presence, and added the daimoku to his ashram's prayers. He also gifted a small statue of Three Wise Monkeys to Gandhi. During World War II and despite the dangers to himself he declared himself in favour of pacifism and went round Japan actively promoting it. He later recollected: "The Pacific war raged ever more brutally. I could no longer...keep silent about the war, in which people were killing one another. Thus I traveled through the whole of Japan and preached resistance against the war and [advocated] the prayer for peace. It was a time in which any person who only spoke about resistance to the war, would go to prison because of that alone".
Sokei-an Shigetsu Sasaki (佐々木 指月 (曹渓庵); March 10, 1882 – May 17, 1945), born Yeita Sasaki (佐々木 栄多), was a Japanese…Sokei-an Shigetsu Sasaki (佐々木 指月 (曹渓庵); March 10, 1882 – May 17, 1945), born Yeita Sasaki (佐々木 栄多), was a Japanese Rinzai monk who founded the Buddhist Society of America (now the First Zen Institute of America) in New York City in 1930. Influential in the growth of Zen Buddhism in the United States, Sokei-an was one of the first Japanese masters to live and teach in America and the foremost purveyor in the U.S. of Direct Transmission. In 1944 he married American Ruth Fuller Everett. He died in May 1945 without leaving behind a Dharma heir. One of his better known students was Alan Watts, who studied under him briefly. Watts was a student of Sokei-an in the late 1930s.
Kaneko Daiei (金子 大栄; 1881-1976) was a Japanese Shin Buddhist philosopher and priest during the first half of the 20th…Kaneko Daiei (金子 大栄; 1881-1976) was a Japanese Shin Buddhist philosopher and priest during the first half of the 20th century, belonging to the Ōtani-ha branch of Shin Buddhism. He was born to the priest of Saiken-ji, a Shin Buddhist temple in Jōetsu, Niigata Prefecture. He attended Shinshu University from 1901 when it was under the new leadership of Kiyozawa Manshi. It was at this time that he met and became close to Soga Ryojin. After graduating, he returned home and worked to propagate the ideas of Kiyozawa. In 1916, Kaneko took up a position on the faculty of Ōtani University. In 1925 and 1926, he published three works that took a controversial position on the nature of the Pure Land, and the authorities within the Higashi Hongan-ji judged his views to be heretical. In 1928, he resigned his professorship under pressure, and was suspended from the priesthood. He had to leave Kyoto and take up a position teaching at Hiroshima Bunkyo University. During this time, he continued to write, to publish, and to give Dharma talks all around the country. In 1941, the Jodo Shinshu leadership reinstated his priestly faculties and had him return to Ōtani University. Kaneko authored many essays and books on Shin Buddhist thought as well as the history of Buddhism. These have come to be held in very high regard, helping to sculpt modern day Jodo Shinshu philosophy. He was a good friend of Soga Ryojin (1875 – 1971), another student of Manshi who likewise taught at Otani University.
Hong Yi (23 October 1880 – 13 October 1942; Chinese: 弘一; pinyin: Hóngyī; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Hông-it, also romanized Hong-it)…Hong Yi (23 October 1880 – 13 October 1942; Chinese: 弘一; pinyin: Hóngyī; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Hông-it, also romanized Hong-it), or Yan Yin (Chinese: 演音; pinyin: Yǎnyīn; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Ián-im) was a Chinese Buddhist monk of the Nanshan Vinaya school. He was also an artist, and a musician. Born Li Shutong (李叔同 and 李漱筒), he was known by the names Wen Tao, Guang Hou, and Shu Tong, but was most commonly known by his Buddhist name, Hong Yi (Hokkien Hong-it). Master Hongyi was a highly influential figure in both the modern Chinese cultural movement and the Buddhist revival during the Republic of China period. Initially renowned for his diverse artistic talents in poetry, music, painting, and calligraphy, he underwent a significant transformation, ordaining as a Buddhist monk in 1918 at Hupao Temple in Hangzhou. From that point until his death in 1942, he dedicated his life to the study and dissemination of Chinese Buddhism. He is widely recognized as one of the four eminent monks of the Republic of China, alongside Masters Taixu, Yinguang, and Xuyun. Within the Chinese Buddhist tradition, Master Hongyi is primarily known and respected as the eleventh patriarch of the Nanshan Vinaya school, a title reflecting his critical role in revitalizing the Vinaya tradition in modern China.
Akegarasu Haya (暁烏 敏; 1877–1954) was a Shin Buddhist priest in Ōtani-ha. For a decade he was a student of the Shin…Akegarasu Haya (暁烏 敏; 1877–1954) was a Shin Buddhist priest in Ōtani-ha. For a decade he was a student of the Shin reformer Kiyozawa Manshi. Akegarasu was also a former head of administration of the Higashi Hongan-ji who was a major inspiration to the formation of the Dobokai Movement.
Nyogen Senzaki (千崎 如幻, 1876–1958) was a Rinzai Zen monk who was one of the 20th century's leading proponents of Zen…Nyogen Senzaki (千崎 如幻, 1876–1958) was a Rinzai Zen monk who was one of the 20th century's leading proponents of Zen Buddhism in the United States.
Daiun Sogaku Harada (原田 大雲祖岳, Harada Daiun Sogaku; October 13, 1871 – December 12, 1961) was a Sōtō Zen monk who…Daiun Sogaku Harada (原田 大雲祖岳, Harada Daiun Sogaku; October 13, 1871 – December 12, 1961) was a Sōtō Zen monk who trained under both Sōtō and Rinzai teachers. He became known for his teaching combining methods from both schools. The Harada–Yasutani zen lineage founded by his disciple Hakuun Yasutani has become one of the major Zen traditions in the West. He is known as the "Great Cloud".
Yemyo Imamura (今村恵猛) (May 27, 1867 – December 22, 1932) was a Japanese Buddhist priest who was active in Honolulu…Yemyo Imamura (今村恵猛) (May 27, 1867 – December 22, 1932) was a Japanese Buddhist priest who was active in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was a leader in the Japanese American community. He was a priest at the Honpa Hongwanji, and started their Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA).
Gempō Yamamoto (山本玄峰, Yamamoto Genpō; 1866-1961) was the abbot of both Ryūtaku-ji and Shoin-ji in Japan—also serving…Gempō Yamamoto (山本玄峰, Yamamoto Genpō; 1866-1961) was the abbot of both Ryūtaku-ji and Shoin-ji in Japan—also serving temporarily as the head of the Myōshin-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism.
Takagi Kenmyō (高木顕明, June 24, 1864 – June 24, 1914) was a Buddhist priest of the Ōtani-ha school of Jōdo Shinshū. He…Takagi Kenmyō (高木顕明, June 24, 1864 – June 24, 1914) was a Buddhist priest of the Ōtani-ha school of Jōdo Shinshū. He was a Buddhist socialist and one of the defendants in the Kōtoku Incident.
Kiyozawa Manshi (清沢 満之; 1863–1903) was a Japanese Shin Buddhist thinker, academic and reformer of the Ōtani-ha branch.…Kiyozawa Manshi (清沢 満之; 1863–1903) was a Japanese Shin Buddhist thinker, academic and reformer of the Ōtani-ha branch. He is one of the most influential figures of Shin Buddhist modernism, known for his articulation of the philosophy of Seishinshugi (精神主義), which can be translated as “Cultivating Spirituality.” Seishinshugi thought prioritized personal religious experience and was influenced by Western philosophies like religious existentialism, Hegel and Stoicism.
