PZI Teacher Archives

Zen Arts: Pickles, Poems & Direct Encounter

Description

Takuan Soho, creator of the renowned golden yellow daikon pickle, was a poet, artist, calligrapher, master of the tea ceremony and Zen priest of Tokai temple—a master of the creative response. The arts of Zen are responses to our meeting whatever circumstances arise—death, war, love, loneliness, natural changes.

Summary
Takuan Soho, 1573-1645

Takuan Soho, a notable Japanese Zen master and creator of the renowned golden yellow daikon pickle, was the son of a Ronin (Samurai without a leader). Takuan was a poet, artist, calligrapher, master of the tea ceremony and Zen priest of Tokai temple—he was a master of the creative response.

John reads haiku responses to the seasons from Basho, Issa, and his own. Haiku responds to the beauty of being alive. Hakuin said, “It is for freedom.” Your life is already sacred.

The arts of Zen are responses meeting whatever circumstances arise—death, war, love, loneliness, natural changes.

While on his deathbed, Yunmen was responding to the koanic “teaching that lasts a lifetime” question.

Sunday Zen with John Tarrant & Friends recorded October 1 2023.

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