Zen's history in Japan 1

大日能忍(Dainichi Nounin) was a Zen monk. He got enlightenment in around 1189. "1189" is important. Japan's text books for high and junior students represent that Zen buddhism was introduced in Kamakura era. However, people think Kamakura era began in 1192 in a general way and text books explain the era began in 1192, as I recall. 1189 can be regard as Heian era. Nounin established a small sect called 達磨宗(Daruma-sect) before he got a certification of enlightenment from Chinese Zen master. Nounin was a Tendai monk and he had a temple called 三宝寺(Sanpou-ji). This sect continued to end of middle age.



After that Nonin died, some students moved to Dougen's school and it is said those students contributed to formation of Soutou sect.



By the way, Nounin hasn't been in China. Then, how Nounin practiced Zen? The answer would be that there had been Zen books and in Japan. Also there were Zen monks in Japan in Nara era and Heian era too. Now we should back to formation stage of Japan's buddhism.



As to historical fact, it is said Buddhism introduced in age of Emperor Kinmei (reign 539 to 571). In this era, there is no trace that Zen buddhism introduced. It is said Zen was introduced to Japan by 道昭(Doushou) in 629-660(Hakuhou era). Doushou was a student of 玄奘(Genjyou) who is a famous chinese monk of Yoga sect buddhism in the world. It is said Doushou also learned Zen from 慧満(Eman) who was a 慧可(Eka)'s student's student. (Eka was a student of Daruma), although it is incredible. However, it is said Doushou established a Zen temple in Houkouji temple. In addition, 行基(Gyougi) who is a famous monk was Doushou's student and they did social enterprise. It is still wonder how Zen thought affected on Doushou and Gyougi. Gyougi is also famous for that he contributed to establish Daibutsu of Nara.



Japan needed monks who were familiar with discipline to foster Japanese monks. Japan invited Chinese monks and one of them was Dousen(702-760, he came to Japan in 736) who was a student of　普寂(Fujyaku) who was a heir of 神秀(JInshuu), they, Fujyaku and JInshuu, were 北宗禅(Hokushuu Zen sect)'s Zen masters. It is said Dousen was also familiar with Tendai thought of China.



Fujyaku established a Zen temple in Daianji temple and 行表(Gyouhyou) who was a teacher of 最澄(Saicyou). Saicyou was the founder of Japanese Tendai Buddhism. Saicyou went to China and came back with Zen books. Saicyou's basic thought was "四種相承(Shishu-soujyou)" which means "Learn Tendai, Tantric Buddhism, Zen and Commandment" to put simply. This thought became a driving power for Japan to accept Zen buddhism. Saicyou who learned Hokushu-Zen came back with books of Hokushuu-Zen, 南宗禅(Nanshuu-Zen) and 牛頭禅(Godu-zen) Zen etc. (Nanshuu-Zen became the mainstream of Chinese Zen buddhism. )



In Heian era, a Zen master, 義空(Gikuu) came to Japan (in 834-848) and taught Empress Danrin who was a wife of 嵯峨天皇(Emperor Saga) who is famous as one of "Three great calligrapher". Gikuu was a student of Student of 馬祖道一(Baso Douitsu) who was the one of greatest monks of mainstream. This was the first introduce of mainstream Zen buddhism.



Also there was a Japanese who went to China and got enlightenment in China. His name is 能光(Noukou). Noukou was a student of 洞山良kai(Touzan Ryoukai). Noukou finished his life in China and his thought didn't affect on Japan.



Also, in the age ruled by retired Emperor, 覚阿(1143-1182)(Kakua) who was a Tendai monk went to China and He became a student of katsu堂慧遠(1103-1176)(Katsudou Eon) who was a student of 圜悟克勤(1063-1135)(Engo Kokugon) who was one of greatest Zen monks. And Kakua got enlightenment and he introduced Sung-Zen to Japan.



Then, Japanese became to practice Zen in earnest in Kamakura era.



It is a photo of Matabee-Zakura in Nara prefecture.