Who was this person?
A Buddhist scholar from Meiji to Shōwa. Practicing Zen at Engaku-ji in Kamakura, he introduced Zen to Europe and America through English books and lectures. As a lay practitioner he kept training and learning as a householder and also received the Order of Culture.
| Name | Suzuki Daisetsu (鈴木大拙) |
|---|---|
| Born–died | 1870 – 1966 |
| Period | Meiji–Shōwa |
| Birthplace | Kaga Province |
| Main achievements |
|
Fourth son of a former domain doctor's house in Kanazawa, Ishikawa. Real name Teitarō. A place where friendship with Nishida Kitarō and others, later called the Three Tarōs of Kaga, began.
Moving to Tokyo he continued studies and practiced Zen under Imakita Kōsen and Shaku Sōen at Engaku-ji in Kamakura. Receiving the lay name Daisetsu, he came to aim at bridging Zen and English. He chose to deepen Zen while remaining a layman. Mentions of lay practitioner also mark this phase.
On Shaku Sōen's advice he went to America and worked at a publisher on East Asian studies. Training to speak Buddhism in English, he also shone as interpreter and translator. Long life abroad began.
He married the American Beatrice Lane. As an intellectual partner she supported introducing Zen internationally. Research and life as a couple became a base for Daisetsu's work.
Through English books and lectures he introduced Zen and Mahayana Buddhism to the West. Explaining terms clearly, he helped spark a Zen boom among intellectuals. He became an international voice for Japanese thought.
He alternated teaching in Japan and lecturing abroad, also helping build Zen research bases. Exchange with students and readers spread worldwide. He kept speaking of Zen from both scholarship and practice. Mentions of Engaku-ji also mark this phase.
After the war he kept writing in English and Japanese on peace and Eastern thought. Even in old age intellectual work did not fade. Messaging to readers worldwide continued.
He received the Order of Culture and was chosen a member of the Japan Academy. Introducing Zen abroad was publicly highly valued. Long international work was recognized at home.
Past ninety he still gave talks and wrote. The stance of speaking deep thought in simple words did not change. His impact on world understanding of Zen is beyond measure.
He died in Kamakura at ninety-five. Opening Zen to the world in English is still counted among basics of Buddhist studies and cultural exchange. It was a long path kept as a lay practitioner.
A. A Buddhist scholar from Meiji to Shōwa. Practicing Zen at Engaku-ji in Kamakura, he introduced Zen to Europe and America through English books and lectures. As a lay practitioner he kept training and learning as a householder and also received the Order of Culture.
A. Period: Meiji–Shōwa. Born in 1870, died in 1966.
A. Suzuki Daisetsu was born in Kaga Province.
A. Because he clearly conveyed Zen and Mahayana Buddhism in English and strongly influenced Western intellectuals. He bridged cultures through both translation and lectures.
See also: Wikipedia (ja) / Wikipedia (en) / Wikipedia (fr) / Wikipedia (zh) / Wikidata
Follow this life (autoplay)Minakata KumagusuNishida KitarōHonda KōtarōHamaguchi OsachiYasui TetsuShimamura HōgetsuSakai ToshihikoIzumi Kyōka
People of the Taishō period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.