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Taisen Deshimaru was a Japanese Zen master, fundamental in bringing zazen the heart of Zen Buddhism to Europe. Born in 1914, he trained extensively in Japan before World War II. After the war, he resumed his training and was ordained as a Zen monk.

The Arrival of Zen in Europe

In the 1960s, Zen monk Deshimaru was sent to Europe to spread zazen the teachings of Zen Buddhism. He settled in France and founded numerous Zen centers, becoming one of the key figures in the popularization of Zen in the Western world. The master Deshimaru emphasized the practice of zazen (seated meditation) as a means of reaching enlightenment and living a harmonious life.

The Teachings of Taisen Deshimaru

Deshimaru’s Zen teachings were characterized by their simplicity and directness, often focusing on integrating Zen practice into everyday life. He emphasized the importance of discipline, mindfulness, and realizing one’s true nature.

The Zen of Taisen Deshimaru

Taisen Deshimaru passed away in 1982, but his legacy continues through the many Zen centers and practitioners influenced by his teachings. He is remembered as a dedicated master who played a significant role in bridging Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.

Tribute to Sensei

On Wednesday, April 30, after zazen at 7:30 PM, we will hold a tribute ceremony to Zen Master Taisen Deshimaru on the 43rd anniversary of his passing.

Location: Zen Kannon Meditation Center Barcelona
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 665, 08010, Barcelona

Autobiografia d'un monjo zen de un monje of a monk
DESHIMARU, T. y BARENYS, N., 2010. Autobiografia d’un monjo zen. Barcelona: Publicacions de l’Abadia de Montserrat. ISBN 9788498832785.

Autobiography of a Zen Monk — Deshimaru

If you want to know more about Taisen Deshimaru, we recommend this book:

DESHIMARU, T. y BARENYS, N., 2010. Autobiografía de un monje zen. Barcelona: Publicacions de l’Abadia de Montserrat. ISBN 9788498832785. You can find it at the Zen Kannon Shop.

Autobiography of a Zen Monk is the sincere and direct account of the life of Taisen Deshimaru, a Japanese Zen master who brought the spirit of Zen to Europe. The book combines his personal experiences with practical Zen teachings and reflections on life. This work shows how he went from a rebellious and worldly youth to becoming a Zen monk thanks to his master, Kodo Sawaki.

Deshimaru’s work conveys a clear message: Zen is not about escaping from the world, but about living fully here and now, with awareness and serenity.

Lineage Masters

These are the most relevant masters of our Zen lineage in the line of Deshimaru, which began with the transmission of Buddha’s Dharma to Mahakashyapa.