HAA 0640 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Tonsure, Muqi Fachang, Ashikaga Yoshimochi
25 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
Introduced to japan from china in the late 12th c. Emphasis on stern self-discipline fit both the times and the warrior lifestyle. Key to enlightenment (satori) is intense meditation (zazen) School"s origins are connected with bodhidharma, a persian monk (or an indian prince), who arrived in china via the silk roads to spread the doctrine of zen (chan) Famous for having meditated in a cave for so long that his image was impressed in the rock wall and his legs atrophied and fell off. Popular with feudal lords (daimyo) and government officials (shogunate) Understanding something in a very sudden way, like an aha! moment. Belief in efficacy of koans as teaching tools. Advocated a balance of meditation and physical activity as a route to a more gradual enlightenment. Questions or exchanges with a master that cannot be understood or answered with rational thought. The purpose of the koan is to break through rational thought patterns.
