Shuho Myocho
Shuho Myocho
1282 – 1337
Shuho Myocho, known posthumously as Daito Kokushi (National Teacher), was one of the most important figures in the establishment of Japanese Rinzai Zen. He was a student of Nanpo Jomyo (Daio Kokushi) and the founder of Daitokuji, one of the great Zen temples of Kyoto. Together with his teacher Nanpo and his student Kanzan Egen, he forms the Daio-Daito-Kanzan lineage through which virtually all modern Rinzai Zen descends.
Daito was known for his fierce and uncompromising practice. According to tradition, he lived among beggars under the Gojo Bridge in Kyoto for twenty years after his awakening, hiding his realization and continuing to deepen his practice in obscurity. He was eventually discovered by the emperor and brought to lead Daitokuji. His death verse—"I have cut off buddhas and patriarchs; the blown hair sword is always burnished"—expresses the radical freedom that he embodied and transmitted to his students.
Teachings
- verseDeath Verse of Daito Kokushi
I have cut off buddhas and patriarchs; the blown hair sword is always burnished. When the wheel of the free activity of truth turns, the empty void gnashes its teeth.
- sermonAdmonition to the Assembly at Daitokuji
All of you who have come to this mountain monastery—you have come to practice the Way, not to concern yourselves with food and clothing. As long as you have shoulders, you will have something to wear. As long as you have a mouth, you will have something to eat. Devote yourselves wholeheartedly to the great matter of awakening. Even if you sit so long that your cushion rots beneath you, even if you sit until the incense board crumbles to dust, do not give up. Do not spend your days in vain. Impermanence is swift; life and death is the great matter. Do not idle away your time.
- dialogueExchange with Emperor Hanazono
Emperor Hanazono asked Daito, 'What is the fundamental principle of Buddhism?' Daito replied, 'A cloud resting on the mountaintop.' The Emperor asked, 'What is Buddha?' Daito said, 'The cat crouches, waiting for the mouse.' The Emperor said, 'What does this mean?' Daito said, 'Your Majesty will understand when you stop looking for the meaning.'
Master Record Sources
- datesZen Editorial Overlay - Originals Curation
1282-1337
- nameZen Editorial Overlay - Originals Curation
Shuho Myocho
- schoolZen Editorial Overlay - Originals Curation
Rinzai
- teachersZen Editorial Overlay - Originals Curation
Nanpu Shaoming