Menzan Zuihō
Japanese philosopher
Menzan Zuihō's AcademicInfluence.com Rankings
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Philosophy
Menzan Zuihō's Degrees
- Doctorate Philosophy Kyoto University
Why Is Menzan Zuihō Influential?
(Suggest an Edit or Addition)According to Wikipedia, Menzan Zuihō was a Japanese Sōtō Zen scholar and abbot of the Zenjo-ji and Kuin-ji temples active during the Tokugawa period. Born in Ueki, Kyushu, Menzan was the most influential Sōtō Zen writer of his time and his work continue to influence Sōtō Zen scholarship and practice today. Menzan's scholarship was part of the Tokugawa movement of returning to original historical sources to revitalize Zen , especially the works of Dōgen Zenji. Before Menzan the works of Dōgen were not widely studied or put into practice, he helped revitalize the Sōtō school by analyzing and building on Dogen's writings. Menzan used Dōgen to promote a reform of the Sōtō sect, which included reforming the monastic code and meditation practice. Due to Menzan's efforts, Dōgen studies now occupies a central position in Sōtō Zen thought. Menzan wrote to advocate the use of the old Song dynasty monk's hall system, in which monks ate, slept, and meditated in one large monk's hall, rather than in separate rooms as was commonly practiced in Japan at the time.
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What Schools Are Affiliated With Menzan Zuihō?
Menzan Zuihō is affiliated with the following schools:
