In today's world, Kōshō Uchiyama has become a topic of great relevance and interest to a wide public. Since its appearance, Kōshō Uchiyama has captured the attention of experts and fans alike, generating debates and conversations in different areas. Its influence has extended to various aspects of daily life, impacting both society and popular culture. In this article, we will explore in detail and in-depth the importance and relevance of Kōshō Uchiyama, in order to offer a complete and updated overview of this fascinating topic.
Kōshō Uchiyama | |
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Title | Rōshi |
Personal | |
Born | 1912 |
Died | March 1998 (aged 85–86) |
Religion | Zen Buddhism |
Nationality | Japanese |
School | Sōtō |
Education | M.A. (Waseda Univ.) |
Senior posting | |
Based in | Antai-ji |
Predecessor | Kodo Sawaki |
Successor | Koho Watanabe Shohaku Okumura Joichi Yamamoto Shusoku Kushiya |
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Kosho Uchiyama (内山 興正, Uchiyama Kōshō, 1912 – March 13, 1998) was a Sōtō priest, origami master, and abbot of Antai-ji near Kyoto, Japan.
Uchiyama was author of more than twenty books on Zen Buddhism and origami, of which Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice is best known.
Uchiyama graduated from Waseda University with a master's degree in Western philosophy in 1937 and was ordained a priest in 1941 by his teacher Kōdō Sawaki. Throughout his life, Uchiyama lived with the damaging effects of tuberculosis.
Uchiyama became abbot of Antai-ji following Sawaki's death in 1965 until he retired in 1975 to Nokei-in, also near Kyoto, where he lived with his wife. Following the death of his teacher he led a forty-nine-day sesshin in memorial of his teacher. In retirement he continued his writing, the majority of which consisted of poetry.
Opening the Hand of Thought, first published in English in 1993 by Arkana Press, was edited by Jishō Cary Warner, and translated by Thomas Wright and Uchiyama's Dharma heir Shohaku Okumura. Portions of the book first appeared in a different English language translation in the author's Approach to Zen: The Reality of Zazen, Japan Publications, 1973. The book attempts a straightforward and practical description of Zen, with a emphasis on the practice of zazen, and uses comparisons of Buddhism and Christianity as a way for westerners to understand Uchiyama's approach
His summary is:
which refers to his own formula: two practices of "vow" and "repentance", and three minds: "magnanimous mind, nurturing mind and joyful mind". He says his book covers butsudō, the effort of an individual to actualize their universal self.