Teachers

Chapter 6 discusses the foremost religious element that formed the basis for the transfer of Chan to Zen, which was the role of charismatic and inspiring teachers. After attaining enlightenment following a phase of transiency that was often marked by personal struggles, these masters served as abbots, training disciples by using innovative methods to test their level of realization of Buddha-nature in the form of poetry and ink-brush painting competitions. Stressing the importance of self-power, Zen’s approach appealed to the leaders of secular society, both scholars and warriors, and contributed to the rise of Zen in Song-dynasty China and Kamakura-era Japan. The chapter also explains personal narratives about the lives of prominent teachers, such as Yuanwu, who overcame obstructions through dedicated pursuit of the goal of enlightenment.