Yasutani Roshi Quotes

A collection of quotes by Yasutani Roshi.

Yasutani Roshi was a highly respected Zen master and teacher, known for his significant role in the development of Zen practice in the Western world. Born on January 5, 1885, in Japan, Yasutani Roshi experienced a spiritual awakening at a young age and entered monastic life in his early twenties. He trained under different Zen masters and became authorized to teach Zen Buddhism.

In the mid-20th century, Yasutani Roshi founded the Sanbo Kyodan, a Zen Buddhist organization in Japan. He emphasized the integration of Zen practice with everyday life, focusing on individual enlightenment and the idea that enlightenment is accessible to all.

Yasutani Roshi gained international recognition through his collaboration with Western students and his contributions to the popularization of Zen Buddhism in the West. In the 1960s and 70s, he began teaching extensively in the United States, where he influenced a generation of Zen practitioners and teachers.

He is particularly known for developing the "koan" practice, a method of using paradoxical questions to provoke insight and deepen one's understanding of Zen teachings. Yasutani Roshi's teaching style, characterized by directness and emphasis on personal experience, resonated with many Western students seeking spiritual guidance.

Yasutani Roshi passed away on December 28, 1973, leaving behind a significant impact on Zen Buddhism and a legacy as a compassionate and influential Zen master.