Anne Hopkins Aitken
United States·Harada-Yasutani lineage (Zen)·Female·20th century
Anne Hopkins Aitken was an American Zen Buddhist and a co-founder of the Honolulu Diamond Sangha, a pivotal organization in the development of Zen in Western countries. She played a significant role in making Zen practice and leadership more accessible to women and is remembered for her dedication to the Dharma and support for the Sangha.
Key Facts
- ›Co-founded the Honolulu Diamond Sangha in 1959 with her husband, Robert Baker Aitken.
- ›Purchased both the Koko an Zendo and Maui Zendo properties for the Honolulu Diamond Sangha.
- ›Was one of the original founders of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship.
- ›Studied Zen Buddhism with Haku'un Yasutani, Sōen Nakagawa, and Koun Yamada.
- ›Her essay 'in Spite of Myself' described her path to the realization of kensho.
- ›Her work contributed to the full equality of women in Zen practice and leadership within the Diamond Sangha.
Important Relationships
- Robert Baker Aitken
- Honolulu Diamond Sangha
- Haku'un Yasutani
- Sōen Nakagawa
- Koun Yamada
- Buddhist Peace Fellowship
In Spite of Myself
Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, Hawaii, Ryutakuji, Japan
Haku'Un Yasutani, SōEn Nakagawa, Koun Yamada
English
About Anne Hopkins Aitken
Anne Hopkins Aitken was an American Zen Buddhist who became a significant figure in the development of Zen in Western countries. Born Anna Stinchfield Hopkins on February 8, 1911, in Cook County, Illinois, she later had her name changed for numerological reasons. Aitken pursued a varied education, studying abroad at Oxford University and earning a degree in English from Scripps College, followed by graduate work in sociology at Stanford and Northwestern Universities.
Life and Spiritual Path
Aitken's introduction to Zen Buddhism occurred through her husband, Robert Baker Aitken, whom she married in 1957. Their honeymoon in Japan at Ryutakuji marked the beginning of her profound engagement with the Dharma. She studied under prominent teachers such as Haku'un Yasutani, Sōen Nakagawa, and Koun Yamada, receiving the Buddhist name An Tanshin. Moving to Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, she and her husband co-founded the Honolulu Diamond Sangha in 1959, an organization considered pivotal in the growth of Zen in the West. Aitken personally purchased the properties for both the Koko An Zendo and the Maui Zendo.
Contributions and Legacy
Anne Aitken was instrumental in making Zen practice more equitable, particularly for women. Her work within the Diamond Sangha is credited with fostering greater equality and accessibility for women in Zen leadership and practice. Though not a prolific writer or frequent speaker, her dedication to the Dharma and her compassionate, individualized support for members of the Sangha left a lasting impression. Her essay, "In Spite of Myself," documented her personal journey of practice and the realization of kensho. She also co-founded the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. Anne Hopkins Aitken passed away on June 13, 1994, at the age of 83 in Pālolo, Hawaiʻi.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Anne Hopkins Aitken born and when did she die?
Anne Hopkins Aitken was born on February 8, 1911, and passed away on June 13, 1994.
What Buddhist tradition did Anne Hopkins Aitken belong to?
Anne Hopkins Aitken was a Zen Buddhist, specifically within the Harada-Yasutani lineage.
What is the Honolulu Diamond Sangha?
The Honolulu Diamond Sangha is an international Zen Buddhist society co-founded by Anne Hopkins Aitken and her husband, Robert Baker Aitken. It has been considered critical to the development of Zen in Western countries.
What role did Anne Aitken play in the Diamond Sangha?
She co-founded the organization in 1959 and purchased its properties, the Koko An Zendo and Maui Zendo. She also contributed to making Zen practice and leadership more accessible to women within the organization.
What was Anne Aitken's educational background?
Aitken studied abroad at Oxford University, graduated from Scripps College with a B.A. in English, and pursued a master's degree in sociology at Stanford and Northwestern Universities.
What was Anne Aitken's contribution to women in Zen?
Many changes that emphasized the full equality of women and made Zen practice and leadership more accessible to women can be attributed to her work within the Diamond Sangha.
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