Philip Kapleau

Philip Kapleau (1912 – 2004)

Philip Kapleau was a pivotal American Zen Buddhist teacher and author who significantly contributed to the spread and understanding of Zen in the Western world. He is best known for his influential book "The Three Pillars of Zen" and for establishing the Rochester Zen Center, which became a leading institution for Zen practice in the United States.

Life and Historical Context

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Kapleau initially pursued a career in law and court reporting. His professional work led him to Japan, where he served as a chief Allied court reporter for the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (Tokyo War Crimes Trials). It was during this period that he developed an interest in Zen Buddhism, initially encountering it through lectures by D.T. Suzuki. Discontent with a purely intellectual approach, Kapleau moved to Japan in 1953 to engage in deep Zen training.

Zen Training and Teaching

Kapleau trained rigorously under Soen Nakagawa and later under Daiun Harada at Hosshin-ji temple. He eventually became a disciple of Hakuun Yasutani, a dharma heir of Harada. After thirteen years of dedicated practice, Kapleau was ordained as a priest by Yasutani in 1965, receiving permission to teach. He trained in the Harada-Yasutani tradition, which combined Sōtō fundamentals with Rinzai koan study.

Major Contributions

Kapleau's seminal work, "The Three Pillars of Zen" (1965), was groundbreaking in its presentation of Zen as a living, pragmatic path rather than an abstract philosophy. Translated into twelve languages, it remains a foundational text for many Western practitioners.

In 1966, Kapleau founded the Rochester Zen Center in New York, which rapidly grew into one of the most influential Zen communities in the West. He also introduced adaptations to traditional Zen practices, such as chanting sutras in vernacular languages, emphasizing Zen's adaptability to different cultures while cautioning against losing sight of its core essence.

Kapleau was also a vocal advocate for Buddhist vegetarianism, arguing that it aligns with the Buddhist principle of non-harmfulness, as detailed in his book "To Cherish All Life."

Break with Yasutani and Lineage

Kapleau formally ended his association with Hakuun Yasutani in 1967 due to disagreements over teaching methods and concerns regarding the conduct of another student, Eido Shimano. While Kapleau did not receive formal dharma transmission from Yasutani, he was granted permission to teach and subsequently established his own Zen lineage. He appointed several dharma heirs who continue to teach and lead Zen centers worldwide.

Later Life and Death

Philip Kapleau passed away on May 6, 2004, at the Rochester Zen Center, surrounded by disciples and friends. He had lived with Parkinson's disease for several years prior to his death.