Calligraphy of the Character “Son (Respect)”

Hakuin Ekaku (1685-1768) was a Rinzai Zen monk during the mid-Edo period, born in Suruga Province. After traveling to many regions, he initially took pride in his great enlightenment. However, Dōkyō Etan of Shōjuan Temple in Īyama, Shinano, recognized his arrogance, prompting Hakuin to commit himself to rigorous practice, eventually achieving profound enlightenment. In Kyōhō 2 (1717), he succeeded to Shōinji Temple in Suruga, and the following year he became the shuso (a head trainee in a Zen monastery) at Myōshinji Temple. Despite his accomplishments, Hakuin avoided high positions and instead traveled the region, dedicating himself to spreading Zen teachings. In later years, a waka poem was composed in which Mt. Fuji and Hakuin were equally admired in Suruga. In Hōreki 8 (1758), he opened Ryūtakuji Temple in Mishima, Izu, and in his later years, he traveled back and forth between Shōinji and Ryūtakuji Temple.

He produced many outstanding disciples, and his Dharma lineage developed greatly. The majority of the Rinzai school of Zen since then has been based on Hakuin’s Dharma lineage, and he is praised as the founder of the Rinzai sect’s revival. In addition to “Hakuin Zenji Goroku,” Hakuin wrote many books, including “Yasen kanna,” “Orategama,” and other kana-hōgo that contributed to popular indoctrination. Hakuin also excelled in calligraphy and painting, and many of his works have been included in the Zen bokuseki (calligraphy) of the early modern period. His calligraphy is characterized by his technique of writing in thin ink. He used these calligraphies and paintings to teach the people in a simple manner. From his fifties onward, he left behind a unique style of painting that symbolically expresses his Zen style. Hakuin’s works are still loved by many people today.

In this bokuseki, ‘Son (Respect)’ is written in large letters, and a phrase based on the ‘Gyōji’ scroll of “Shōbōgenzō” by Dōgen is included. It is evident that the doctrines of Sōtō Zen had penetrated into the Rinzai monks as well. ‘Gyō’ means practice, and ‘Ji’ means to protect and sustain.