Taisen Deshimaru
Taisen Deshimaru was a Japanese Sōtō Zen Buddhist teacher who founded the Association Zen Internationale. He is known for bringing Zen Buddhism to Europe, establishing practice centers, and authoring several books on Zen practice and philosophy. His efforts significantly contributed to the spread of Sōtō Zen in the West.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Saga Prefecture, Japan, on November 29, 1914.
- ›Studied economics in Tokyo and began practicing Zen under Master Kodo Sawaki in 1935.
- ›Taught zazen to various inhabitants while working in copper mines in Indonesia during World War II.
- ›Founded the Association Zen Internationale in 1970 and La Gendronnière in 1979.
- ›Settled in Paris in 1967 to fulfill his master's wish of spreading Zen teachings in Europe.
- ›Died on April 30, 1982, having established a significant Zen presence in the West.
Important Relationships
- Association Zen Internationale
- La Gendronnière
- Kodo Sawaki
- Master Yamada Reirin
- Rempo Niwa Zenji
- Olivier Wang-Genh
- Za-Zen, the Practice of the Zen
- Sit: Zen Teachings of Master Taisen Deshimaru
- the Ring of the Way: Testament of A Zen Master
- Questions To A Zen Master
- the Zen Way To Martial Arts
- the Way of True Zen
- the Voice of the Valley
- Mushotoku Mind: the Heart of the Heart Sutra
Paris, Europe, Indonesia, Singapore, KyūShū
Kodo Sawaki, Rinzai Buddhism, JōDo Shinshū
Japanese
About Taisen Deshimaru
Taisen Deshimaru (1914–1982) was a significant figure in the dissemination of Sōtō Zen Buddhism in the West. Born in Japan, he initially explored Christianity before dedicating himself to Buddhist practice, notably under the guidance of Sōtō Zen Master Kodo Sawaki. Deshimaru's early life included experiences as a businessman and a period in Indonesia during World War II, where he taught zazen to diverse local populations.
Life and Historical Context
Deshimaru's spiritual journey led him to Master Kodo Sawaki, with whom he studied for fourteen years until Sawaki's death in 1965. Shortly before his master's passing, Deshimaru received monastic ordination. Following Sawaki's deathbed wish to spread Zen globally, Deshimaru traveled to Europe in 1967, settling in Paris to teach. He was drawn to France's philosophical tradition, referencing thinkers like Montaigne and Descartes.
During the 1970s, Deshimaru's influence grew. He received dharma transmission from Master Yamada Reirin in 1970 and was appointed Kaikyosokan (head of Japanese Soto Zen for a continent) in Europe. His efforts were instrumental in establishing Zen practice centers and communities across the continent. He also founded the Association Zen Internationale in 1970 and the monastery La Gendronnière in 1979.
Major Contributions
Deshimaru's primary contribution was the establishment and expansion of Sōtō Zen in Europe and America. Through his teachings, the founding of the Association Zen Internationale, and the creation of numerous practice centers, he fostered a vibrant Zen community. He authored several influential books, making Zen philosophy and practice accessible to a wider audience. His teachings also stimulated intellectual discussions, as seen in his correspondence with Zhong Fushi.
Legacy
Taisen Deshimaru died in 1982, leaving behind a substantial legacy in the Western Buddhist landscape. His students continued to spread his teachings, and his work laid the groundwork for many Zen organizations that thrive today. His efforts solidified Sōtō Zen's presence outside of Asia, making him a key figure in the global spread of Buddhism.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Taisen Deshimaru?
Taisen Deshimaru was a Japanese Sōtō Zen Buddhist teacher and the founder of the Association Zen Internationale. He played a pivotal role in introducing and establishing Zen Buddhist practices, particularly Sōtō Zen, in Europe and America.
When and where was Taisen Deshimaru born?
Taisen Deshimaru was born on November 29, 1914, in the Saga Prefecture of Kyūshū, Japan. He was raised by his grandfather and his mother, who was a devout follower of the Jōdo Shinshū sect of Buddhism.
What was Taisen Deshimaru's early religious and professional life like?
Initially exploring Christianity, Deshimaru eventually returned to Buddhism and studied under Rinzai teachings. He later became a businessman and began practicing Sōtō Zen under Master Kodo Sawaki in 1935 while studying economics in Tokyo.
What role did Taisen Deshimaru play during World War II?
During the war, Deshimaru was exempted from military service due to near-sightedness and worked in Indonesia directing copper mines. There, he taught zazen to local and European inhabitants and defended them against violence, nearly facing imprisonment.
How did Taisen Deshimaru contribute to the spread of Zen in Europe?
In 1967, Deshimaru moved to Paris to fulfill his master's wish to spread Zen teachings globally. He founded the Association Zen Internationale in 1970 and established numerous practice centers, significantly influencing the growth of Zen in the West.
What are some of Taisen Deshimaru's notable works?
Taisen Deshimaru authored several books on Zen practice and philosophy, including 'Za-Zen, the practice of the Zen,' 'Sit: Zen Teachings of Master Taisen Deshimaru,' and 'The Ring of the Way: Testament of a Zen Master.'
When did Taisen Deshimaru die?
Taisen Deshimaru died on April 30, 1982. By this time, he had successfully established a solid foundation for Zen practice in the West.
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