Bodhidharma, often considered the 28th Indian master of Zen and the 1st Chinese master, is a central figure in Zen Buddhism. He is credited with introducing Zen Buddhism (Chan) in China in the 6th century AD. Historically, he was a Buddhist monk of Indian origin, and although the exact details of his life are somewhat…
Zen Master Dogen (1200-1253) is one of the most influential figures in Japanese Buddhism, particularly within the Sōtō school of Zen. He is best known for introducing and establishing the practice of zazen (seated meditation) and writing the profound work Shōbōgenzō, a collection of his teachings. Dogen’s life and teachings have shaped the foundation of…
In the history of Zen, there have been especially brilliant masters. One of them is Keizan Jokin, a revered master for his crucial role in the expansion of the Soto Zen school in Japan. His legacy is both spiritual and literary, leaving an indelible mark on the practice of Japanese Zen. In 2025, the 700th…
Kodo Sawaki (1880-1965) was an influential Japanese Zen master, known for revitalizing the practice of Sōtō Zen in Japan in the 20th century. He was born in Tsu, Japan, and orphaned at an early age. Despite a difficult childhood following the death of his mother, Sawaki became interested in Zen Buddhism with the vocation of…
Master Taisen Deshimaru was born in Saga in 1914, he became a disciple of Master Kodo Sawaki in the 1930s. Kodo Sawaki was one of the most influential Zen masters in 20th-century Japan. He particularly emphasized the importance of zazen practice and was among those masters who opened up the practice to laypeople by organizing…
Master Roland Yuno Rech was born in 1944, Roland Rech graduated from the Paris Institute for Political Studies in 1966, then received a post-graduate degree in clinical psychology. After three years spent working in business, he traveled around the world and discovered zazen practice at Antaiji Temple in Kyoto. Moved by this experience, he decided…
