Taisen Deshimaru

3,080 words

Translated by Guillaume Durocher

Translator’s Note: The following extracts are drawn from Taisen Deshimaru, Zen et Arts martiaux (Paris: Albin Michel, 1983 [1977]). The style reflects the rambling, spontaneous speaking of many Zen masters, whose “writings” are often not of their own initiative, but rather sayings recorded by their pious (often Western) followers. Another example of this would be Shunryū Suzuki, who was popular in California. This does raise the question of how “Taisen Deshimaru” authored the books ascribed to him. (more…)

380 words

Translated by Guillaume Durocher

Translator’s Note:

Taisen Deshimaru was a Japanese Zen master, primarily known for having powerfully contributed to the spread Zen Buddhism in postwar Europe. This story is drawn from Taisen Deshimari, La pratique du Zen (Paris: Albin Michel, 1981 [1974]), pp. 25–26.  (more…)