The Denkōroku, or “Record of the Transmission of the Flame,” is a classic Zen text. It was written by Keizan Jōkin, one of the founding masters of the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. This work is considered fundamental to understanding the lineage of Dharma transmission: the succession of Zen masters from Buddha Shakyamuni to Keizan. It is the same lineage that has continued through Taisen Deshimaru and down to us today.
Zen stories of transmission
The Denkōroku is a collection of biographical stories describing the moments of awakening of each master in the lineage. The dialogues abound in kōans—Zen paradoxes with a deeply poetic meaning. They include stories beginning with the original Buddha Shakyamuni, and continuing through the great Indian ancestors, such as Mahākāśyapa and Bodhidharma, to the early Chinese and Japanese masters. Each chapter focuses on a particular master and their moment of awakening.
The importance of the Denkōroku
This text is essential to understanding Dharma transmission in the Zen tradition: what it means for Dharma to be transmitted from master to disciple, and how this transmission takes place. It provides a historical narrative that helps situate Zen masters in their historical and doctrinal context. In short, the Denkōroku is a key text in Zen Buddhism. Through its stories and kōans, it not only traces the spiritual genealogy of Zen masters, but also offers profound teachings on the nature of awakening and Zen practice.
The transmission from Buddha to Mahākāśyapa
According to the Denkōroku, the first transmission of the Dharma took place between Buddha Shakyamuni and Mahākāśyapa. One day, in front of an assembly of thousands of monks and nuns, the Buddha raised a flower and held it between his fingers. His lips formed a smile, and he blinked. Only Mahākāśyapa understood the meaning of this gesture and smiled in response. The Buddha then said, “I have transmitted to Mahākāśyapa the joyous eye of the true Dharma, the wondrous mind of nirvana.” Thus began the transmissions from master to disciple, continuing for twenty-five centuries, down to the present day.
Practise the Denkōroku at Zen Kannon
There are meditation sessions every day of the week, Monday through Sunday, in the morning, afternoon, and evening. You can find the schedules here: Meditation schedules and calendars. The sessions are held in person at Zen Kannon Barcelona and remotely via Zoom. Learn more about in-person and Zoom group meditation.