Bankeis

Bankei Yotaku, often simply referred to as Bankei, was a prominent Japanese Zen Buddhist monk of the Rinzai school during the Edo period. He lived from 1622 to 1693. Bankei is particularly known for his teachings on the "Unborn," a concept central to his philosophy that emphasized the inherent purity and enlightenment of all beings, unconditioned by birth or death.

Born in the province of Harima, Bankei was the son of a scholar who had been forced to flee his home due to political persecution. This early experience of displacement may have influenced his later emphasis on transcending conventional attachments. He began his monastic training at a young age and sought out various Zen masters, eventually finding a teacher who recognized his unique insights.

Bankei's teachings diverged from some of the more orthodox practices of his time. He criticized reliance on koan study as the sole path to enlightenment, instead advocating for direct realization of the Unborn mind. His public talks, known as "sermons," were accessible and often addressed the concerns of ordinary people, leading to a significant following. He established his own monastery, Ryumon-ji, where he continued to teach and guide disciples until his death. Bankei's legacy lies in his accessible yet profound articulation of fundamental Zen principles, which continue to be studied and practiced.