Signed at bottom left 'Nantenbō, aged 81', with seals at top right 'The True Rinzai Tradition' and bottom left Hakkeikutsu and Tōjū Comes with a fitted kiri-wood storage box. This...
Signed at bottom left "Nantenbō, aged 81", with seals at top right "The True Rinzai Tradition" and bottom left Hakkeikutsu and Tōjū
Comes with a fitted kiri-wood storage box.
This saying is first found in Book Three of Chanlin leiju (Japanese, Zenrin ruiju), a collection of Chan (Zen) aphorisms first published in China in 1307. Its basic meaning is that all those who diligently follow the way of Zen have the capacity to attain enlightenment, no matter what they were like before their training began or what difficulties they encounter on their journey. Nantenbō was a Japanese Zen Master. In his time known as a fiery reformer, he was also an accomplished artist. He produced many fine examples of Zen Art and helped bridge the gap between older forms of Zen Buddhist art and its continuation into the 20th century.