Taigen Shigen

Taigen Shigen (1768–1837) was a student of Inzan Ien who continued refining and transmitting the Inzan koan curriculum. He served as an important second-generation link in the post-Hakuin reform, ensuring that Inzan's systematized approach to koan training was faithfully passed on and further developed.

Taigen's students branched into several lineages of lasting significance. Through Gisan Zenrai, his influence reached Kosen Imakita and the modernization of Rinzai Zen. Through Daisetsu Jōen, another branch extended eventually to Joshu Sasaki. This branching made Taigen one of the most consequential figures in 19th-century Rinzai Zen, even though he is rarely discussed outside specialist histories.