28 - Kanshû Sôjun (1895-1954)
Chin Rest

Wood

54,3 x 6 x 1,2 cm

The pine - same colour, now and ever.

Once a student asked the teacher, why did Bodhidharma come to China? The master said Give me the chin rest. And the student passed it to him and the master hit him with it.

Kanshû Sôjun (1895-1954)

known as Deiryû, born on Tomogashima island (Wakayama prefecture) as son of the Izawa family. 1911 he entered Kaisei-ji where he became one of Nantembô's acolytes; regarding painting it was his most important. At the age of sixteen Deiryû formally became a disciple of the then 72-year-old Nantembô, and he accompanied his teacher on his pilgrimages and lecture tours throughout Japan. They usually travelled at night, often sitting up in third class train carriages. On these journeys, Nantembô sat in meditation and Deiryû memorized Zen texts and practised calligraphy by tracing the shapes of characters with his finger in the palm of his hand. 1924 Deiryû moved to the dôjô at Empuku-ji where he received his certification of enlightenment (inka) from Kôzuki Tessô (1883-1941). The year after Nantembô became ill and Deiryû returned to Kaisei-ji to be with him during his last days. After living in different places he returned to Empuku-ji in 1932 as abbot. In 1937 after Kôzuki Rôshi, Zen Master at Empuku-ji was killed in a car accident, Deiryû was asked to take over this position. Deiryû died in 1954. (Seo 1998, 16)

Deiryû took up painting and calligraphy in emulation of Nantembô and while he painted many works on the same themes and styles as Nantembô, in Deiryû's works we can read the gentleness of his character, as compared to Nantembô's openhearted frankness. (Gitter-Yelen 2000, 147).

30 - Myô Un Dôgen (1660-1729)

Rei Ju Jô

Staff

Wood

115,5 cm

The spring of sweet waters soak the roots, Dew drips from the twigs.

Law and staff are the same Help in danger, support to the bent.

Despite the rigorous and harsh nature of Zen training, with its long hours of sitting meditation, the implements associated with his training are occasionally transformed into works of art. The Kyosaku (or Keisaku) a long stick used by a presiding monk who walks silently around the meditation hall striking dozing monks (often at their own invitation) during meditation sessions. In this sense the inscription on the forging tool of monks is appropriate.

Myô Un Dôgen (1660-1729)

Founder of Zuikô-ji temple in Mino (Sôtô-Tradition).

31- Mokudô Eshô (1862-1944)
Kyosaku

1944

Wood

100 x 4,3 x 1,3 cm

Written by Mokudô Eshô, cut by Kûshun.

Mokudô Eshô (1862-1944)

68th Abbot of Eihei-ji temple, which is one of the two head temples of Sôtô Zen. It has been founded in 1244 by Dôgen Zenji.