Asian Rel quiz 5

Who was Hakuin Ekaku?

A Japanese Rinzai Zen master (1686–1769) known as:

1. A great master

2. A meditation master

3. A talented artis

Why is Hakuin important in Japanese Zen?

He revived contemporary Japanese Rinzai Zen, and current Rinzai traditions trace back to him.

What is Hakuin’s famous koan?

“Listening to the sound of one hand.”

What Chinese koan is Hakuin’s “one hand” koan equivalent to?

Joshu’s “Mu” koan from the Mumonkan (“Gateless Gate”), Case 1.

Why did Hakuin create Japanese koans?

Chinese texts were difficult for Japanese Zen practitioners to read and understand.

What is Orategama?

One of Hakuin’s masterpieces containing the theory and philosophy of his teaching and practice.

What is Nembutsu?

A Pure Land Buddhist practice reciting the name of Amida Buddha:
“Namu Amida Butsu” / “Namo Amitofo.”

What is the Lotus Sutra school’s recitation practice?

Reciting:
“Namu myo ho renge kyo.”

According to Hakuin, where is the Pure Land?

Here and now, within one’s self — not in another dimension.

What does Hakuin emphasize for realizing the Pure Land?

“Seeing one’s nature” (kensho experience).

What does “kensho” mean?

“Seeing one’s nature.”

What does Hakuin recommend to achieve kensho?

Working on the koan:
“Listening to the sound of one hand.”

What role did Hakuin play in koan practice?

He systematized koans and created koans in Japanese.

According to Hakuin, what is the relationship between koan practice and nembutsu practice?

They are the same in essence.

What is the most important part of any Buddhist practice according to Hakuin?

Single-minded devotion and concentration

What is another famous writing by Hakuin?

Idle Talk on A Night Boat (Yasenkanna).

What type of work is Yasenkanna?

An autobiographical piece written in 1751 when Hakuin was 71.

What condition did Hakuin describe in Yasenkanna?

Zenbyo (“Zen sickness”).

What caused Hakuin’s Zen sickness?

Overly intense Zen practice during his youth.

Who helped Hakuin recover from Zen sickness?

The mountain hermit Hakuyu

What meditation technique helped Hakuin recover?

Concentrating on the tanden (hara)

What is the tanden / hara?

The center where ki/qi (vital energy) is produced and stored.