Hakuin – författare

Wild Ivy is the autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin Ekaku, a pivotal figure in Japanese Zen Buddhism. This intimate self-portrait captures Hakuin’s relentless pursuit of enlightenment and his mission to rejuvenate a Zen tradition that had stagnated during his time. Born in 1686 near Mount Fuji, Hakuin’s journey is marked by personal struggle, artistic expression, and unwavering dedication to truth. His story serves as both a spiritual guide and a historical account, shedding light on his significant contributions to Zen Buddhism.Hakuin emphasizes the importance of rigorous training, authentic engagement, and the transformative power of meditation, and offers a pathway to overcoming spiritual complacency. Through vivid anecdotes and personal reflections, accounts of his Zen practice and enlightenment experiences, and practical advice for students, Hakuin illuminates the interconnectedness of physical health, spiritual growth, and the responsibility to guide others on their journeys.Wild Ivy invites readers to explore the depths of this fiery and intensely dynamic Zen teacher and artist through the wisdom and timeless relevance of his teachings. Norman Waddell’s compelling translation not only chronicles Hakuin’s personal evolution but also issues a call for the revitalization of Zen, urging readers to embrace the challenges and joys of the spiritual path. Hakuin’s story resonates with the urgency and passion of a master dedicated to ensuring the essence of Zen remains vibrant and accessible.

Hakuin Ekaku (1685–1769) is one of the most influential figures in Zen Buddhism. He revitalized the Rinzai Zen tradition (which emphasizes the use of koans, or unanswerable questions, in meditation practice), and all masters of that school today trace their lineage back through him. He is responsible for the most famous of all koans: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" He is also famous for his striking and humorous art, which he also regarded as teaching. This book provides a rare, intimate look at Hakuin the man, through his personal correspondence. Beating the Cloth Drum contains twenty-eight of Hakuin''s letters to students, political figures, fellow teachers, laypeople, and friends. Each letter is accompanied by extensive commentary and notes. They showcase Hakuin''s formidable, thoughtful, and sometimes playful personality—and they show that the great master used every activity, including letter-writing, as an opportunity to impart the teachings that were so close to his heart.

Hakuin Zenji (1689-1769) was one of the most important of all Japanese Zen masters. His commentary on the Heart Sutra is a Zen classic that reflects his dynamic teaching style, with its balance of scathing wit and poetic illumination of the text. Hakuin''s sarcasm, irony, and invective are ultimately guided by a compassion that seeks to dislodge students'' false assumptions and free them to realize the profound meaning of the Heart Sutra for themselves. The text is illustrated with Hakuin''s own calligraphy and brush drawings.