shohatto

The term shohatto, also spelled shobatto, refers to a set of monastic regulations in Zen Buddhism. These edicts were established by Hakuin Ekaku, a prominent Japanese Zen master of the Rinzai school, in the 18th century. The shohatto, literally meaning "laws to be proclaimed," were intended to guide the conduct of monks within a Zen monastery and to preserve the integrity of Zen practice.

The original shohatto comprised twenty-four articles that covered various aspects of monastic life, including meditation, study, ethics, and the relationships between disciples and their teachers. These regulations emphasized diligence in zazen (seated meditation), the importance of following a master's guidance, and the avoidance of worldly distractions. They were designed to foster a disciplined and focused environment conducive to spiritual awakening.

While Hakuin is credited with their promulgation, the shohatto drew upon earlier monastic rules and principles found in Buddhist scriptures. They have remained influential in Rinzai Zen monasteries, serving as a foundational text for monastic training and community life. Over time, some interpretations and applications of the shohatto have evolved, but their core purpose of maintaining a rigorous and authentic Zen practice continues to be recognized.