Kosho Uchiyama Quotes
Kosho Uchiyama (1912-1998) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher and author. He was a disciple of the renowned Zen master Kodo Sawaki and was the abbot of the Antaiji Temple in Japan. Uchiyama is best known for his book Opening the Hand of Thought, which is considered a classic of Zen literature. He a…Read More
Kosho Uchiyama (1912-1998) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher and author. He was a disciple of the renowned Zen master Kodo Sawaki and was the abbot of the Antaiji Temple in Japan. Uchiyama is best known for his book Opening the Hand of Thought, which is considered a classic of Zen literature. He also wrote several other books, including The Zen Teaching of Homeless Kodo, Zen and the Art of Calligraphy, and Zen and the Art of Archery. Uchiyama’s teachings focused on the practice of zazen, or seated meditation, and emphasized the importance of living in the present moment.Read Less
Kosho Uchiyama (1912-1998) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher and author. He was a disciple of the renowned Zen master Kodo Sawaki and was the abbot of the Antaiji Temple in Japan. Uchiyama is best known for his book Opening the Hand of Thought, which is considered a classic of Zen literature. He also wrote several other books, including The Zen Teaching of Homeless Kodo, Zen and the Art of Calligraphy, and Zen and the Art of Archery. Uchiyama’s teachings focused on the practice of zazen, or seated meditation, and emphasized the importance of living in the present moment.
Kosho Uchiyama Career Highlights
- Ordained as a Soto Zen priest in 1941
- Served as abbot of Antaiji temple in Kyoto, Japan from 1975 to 1979
- Founded the International Zen Dojo in 1980
- Published several books on Zen Buddhism, including “Opening the Hand of Thought” and “The Wholehearted Way”
- Traveled extensively to teach and lead retreats in Europe, North America, and Asia
Key Contributions by Kosho Uchiyama
- Revitalized the practice of zazen (sitting meditation) in the Soto Zen tradition
- Emphasized the importance of daily life as a form of practice, known as “everyday Zen”
- Introduced the concept of “just sitting” as a way to approach meditation without striving for a specific goal or outcome
- Encouraged a non-dogmatic and open-minded approach to Zen practice, incorporating elements from other traditions and disciplines
- Emphasized the importance of self-inquiry and questioning in the practice of Zen
What Sets Kosho Uchiyama Apart
- Uchiyama’s teachings and approach to Zen have been described as accessible, practical, and down-to-earth
- He emphasized the importance of integrating Zen practice into daily life, rather than viewing it as a separate activity
- Uchiyama’s teachings have been influential in the development of Western Zen, particularly in the United States and Europe
- He was known for his humility, humor, and willingness to engage in dialogue and debate with students and practitioners
Takeaways
- Uchiyama’s teachings continue to be widely studied and practiced by Zen students and practitioners around the world
- His emphasis on everyday Zen and the integration of practice into daily life has resonated with many modern practitioners seeking a more accessible and relevant approach to Zen
- Uchiyama’s writings and teachings offer valuable insights and guidance for those interested in Zen practice, regardless of their level of experience or background.
Other People
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