The Song of Zazen

By ronald allen

Description

The Song of Zazen

The poem "The Song of Zazen" was written by Hakuin Ekaku Zenji, a Japanese Zen master and one of the most influential figures in the revitalization of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in the 18th century. He lived during 1686-1769 and was known for his emphasis on the practice of koans, which are short, often paradoxical statements or stories that are used as a tool for spiritual awakening. Hakuin is also known for his poetry, which often reflects his teachings and experiences in Zen practice.

"The Song of Zazen" by Hakuin Ekaku Zenji

Japanese Zen master and influential Rinzai figure

Koans emphasized for spiritual awakening

18th century Rinzai revitalization

1686-1769 lifetime of Hakuin

Hakuin's poetic reflection of Zen teachings

Koans as tool for spiritual growth

Hakuin's experiences in Zen practice.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: ronald allen
• Release date: Feb 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215431979

Book preview

Hakuin Ekaku’s Song of Za Zen

By Ronald Allen

Copyright@ 2023 Ronald Allen

Description

The Song of Zazen

The poem The Song of Zazen was written by Hakuin Ekaku Zenji, a Japanese Zen master and one of the most influential figures in the revitalization of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in the 18th century. He lived during 1686-1769 and was known for his emphasis on the practice of koans, which are short, often paradoxical statements or stories that are used as a tool for spiritual awakening. Hakuin is also known for his poetry, which often reflects his teachings and experiences in Zen practice.

The Song of Zazen by Hakuin Ekaku Zenji

Japanese Zen master and influential Rinzai figure

Koans emphasized for spiritual awakening

18th century Rinzai revitalization

1686-1769 lifetime of Hakuin

Hakuin's poetic reflection of Zen teachings

Koans as tool for spiritual growth

Hakuin's experiences in Zen practice.

Here is a version of The Song of Zazen by Hakuin Ekaku Zenji

Contents

The Song of Zazen

Verse 1

Verse 2

Verse 3

Verse 4

Verse 5

Verse 6

Verse Summary

The Song of Zazen: written in kanji

The English translation of The Song of Zazen by Hakuin Ekaku from kanji:

The Song of zazen translated romanise sound variations into Japanese

The Romanized Translation Version the Song of Zazen Chant

A romanized version of the Song of Zazen Chant from Japanese to English:

Here is another romanized version English translation:

Six Stories by Hakuin Ekaku

1 "The Oak Tree in the Garden

2 The Sound of One Hand

3 The Frog in the Well

4 The Flag in the Wind

5 The Treasure Chest

6 The White Path

Story Summery

The Song of Zazen written in standard Chinese calligraphy by Zen master Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769)

Zazen Wasan by Zen master Hakuin Ekaku

Zazen Wasan, the poem verse and commentary

Verse 1

Verse 2

Verse 3

Verse 4

Verse 5

Verse 6

Verse 7

Verse 8

Verse 9

Verse 10

Verse 11

Verse 12

Verse 13

Verse 14

Zazen-ge by Eihei Dogen

Zazen-ge

The Poem Verse and Commentary

Verse 1

Verse 2

Verse 3

Verse 4

Verse 5

Verse 6

Verse 7

Verse 8

Verse 9

Verse 10

Verse 11

Zazen-ge by Eihei Dogen in kanji

Summary of the two poems

––––––––

The Song of Zazen

Verse 1

"Sitting quietly, doing nothing, the spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.

Commentary: In the first verse of The Song of Zazen, Hakuin is emphasizing the importance of stillness and mindfulness in Zen practice. By sitting quietly and doing nothing, one allows themselves to be fully present in the moment and to let go of any distractions or unnecessary thoughts. This is similar to the concept of just sitting or shikantaza in Zen, which is the practice of simply being present without any specific goal or agenda.

The image of spring coming and