Kosen Imakita
Kosen Imakita
1816 – 1892
Kosen Imakita is recorded in the historiography of the post-Daitō / Myōshin-ji Rinzai transmission lines as a transmission figure in its lineage. The surviving record preserves his place in the line; little distinctive doctrinal material from his teaching is preserved in modern scholarship[1].
Names
Disciples of Kosen Imakita
Teachers and lineage of Kosen Imakita
Teacher / root master:
Teachings
The true Dharma does not belong to monks alone. From the time of the Buddha, laypeople such as Vimalakirti have demonstrated the highest understanding. In this modern age, when the world changes so rapidly, we cannot lock the gate of Zen and keep it for the few who shave their heads. The merchant at his counter, the scholar at his desk, the farmer in his field—all possess the Buddha-nature, all can awaken. If we do not bring Zen to the people, we are hoarding medicine while the world is sick. Open the zendo doors. Let whoever is sincere enter and sit.
Confucius said: 'Investigate things, extend knowledge, make the will sincere, rectify the heart.' This is nothing other than Zen. When you investigate a thing thoroughly, you reach the place where subject and object fall away. That is kenshō. The sages of China and the patriarchs of India all drank from the same stream. Only the words differ; the water is one.
Other masters in Rinzai
Master Record Sources
- datesZen Editorial Overlay - Originals Curation
1816-1892
- nameZen Editorial Overlay - Originals Curation
Kosen Imakita
- schoolZen Editorial Overlay - Originals Curation
Rinzai
- teachersZen Editorial Overlay - Originals Curation
Gisan Zenrai