Izawa Deiryu | Painting

You are the Master wherever you are. A prase by Rinzai Master Linji Yixuan. 
 
In 1911 Izawa Deiryu entered Kaisei-ji where he became one of Nantembo’s acolytes - in painting he was his most important. At the age of sixteen Deiryu formally became a disciple of the then 72-year-old Nantembo, and he accompanied his teacher on his pilgrimages and lecture tours throughout Japan. They usually traveled at night, often sitting up in third class train carriages. On these journeys, Nantembo sat in meditation and Deiryu memorized Zen texts and practiced calligraphy by tracing the shapes of characters with his finger in the palm of his hand. 1924 Deiryu moved to Empuku-ji where he received his certification of enlightenment (inka) from Kozuki Tesso (1883-1941). The year after Nantembo became ill and Deiryu 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 Kozuki Roshi, Zen Master at Empuku-ji was killed in a car accident, Deiryu was asked to take over this position. Deiryu died in 1954.
 
Izawa Deiryu (1895-1954) 
Ink on paper 
33.5 x 27.5 cm (13 x 10¾ in.) 
Mounting 115 x 30.5 cm (45¼ x 12 in.)