1686-1769
The Rinzai-sect Buddhist monk, Hakuin Ekaku is considered one of the most influential figures in Zen Buddhism. Born in the Suruga Province (present-day Shizuoka), he lived during the mid-Edo period. He left home at fifteen to pursue a monastic life and was ordained at Shoin-ji. During residence, he studied under Dokyo Etan (Shoju Rojin, 1642–1721) and would become head monk at Myoshin-ji. He would teach Suio Genro and Torei Enji, and was known as the reviver of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Whilst popularizing Zen Buddhism, he also drew calligraphy. Manifesting various Zen principles and sermons through illustrations, Hakuin's work was a visual alternative to a widely illiterate crowd. Whilst Hakuin began to paint very late in life, he is considered one of the greatest Zen Buddhist painters.
