Ais
Ais Biography
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ais is a name that has been associated with various individuals throughout history. One of the most well-known Ais's was a 14th-century Japanese Zen master named Aisō (also known as Eihei Dogen). However, there may be other notable figures bearing this name.
Birth and Death Dates
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Aisō, the Japanese Zen master, was born in 1200 CE in Japan. Unfortunately, little is known about his early life, and most of what we know comes from his teachings and writings. He passed away in 1253 CE at the age of 53.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Aisō was a Japanese national and a Zen master, which means he was a spiritual leader and teacher in the Zen Buddhist tradition.
Early Life and Background
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Not much is known about Aisō's early life. He was born into a noble family but abandoned his privileged life at a young age to seek enlightenment through Buddhism. At 16, he sailed to China to study with the great Chinese master Ju-ching, who introduced him to the teachings of Linji and Huangbo.
Major Accomplishments
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Aisō is best known for establishing the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan, which emphasized the importance of meditation and non-conceptual thinking. He was also a prolific writer, leaving behind many treatises on Zen Buddhism, including his most famous work, "Shōbōgenzō" (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye).
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his writings, Aisō is known for establishing the Eihei-ji temple in Japan, which remains one of the largest and most influential Zen temples in the country. His teachings and writings also had a profound impact on Japanese culture, influencing the development of art, literature, and philosophy.
Impact and Legacy
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Aisō's legacy is immense. He not only helped to establish Zen Buddhism in Japan but also paved the way for the integration of Buddhist and Shinto traditions. His emphasis on meditation and non-conceptual thinking has influenced countless generations of Japanese artists, writers, and philosophers. Today, his teachings continue to inspire people around the world, making him one of the most beloved and respected figures in Zen history.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Aisō is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the nature of reality and human consciousness. His writings and teachings offer a unique perspective on the human condition, encouraging readers to look beyond the confines of language and conceptual thinking. His emphasis on meditation and mindfulness has also made him a beloved figure among practitioners of Zen Buddhism.
Key Quotes from Aisō:
"The ultimate truth is not something that can be reached by intellectual understanding; it must be realized through direct experience."
"To seek enlightenment, one must first let go of all preconceptions and attachments to the ego."
Aisō's life and teachings serve as a testament to the power of spirituality and self-inquiry. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world, reminding us that true wisdom lies beyond the confines of language and conceptual thinking.
Quotes by Ais

Intelligence doesn't always equate to common sense. Or, for that matter, the ability to fully choose one's path in life.

After all, a life without living was simply a death without dying. What more was there to fear or hate but life, endless life, with no respite?

So, I'm just going to tell you how it is for me,' Boyd continued frankly. His gaze was intense and sincere as he didn't look away from Sin's eyes. 'I love you more than I've ever loved anyone. I think about you all the time. It's been hell trying to keep myself away - every time you're close I just want to touch you. I would do anything for you. And if I could have anything in the world right now, I would be in a relationship with you.

If there was a hell beyond what he knew, he would welcome it. He had no reason not to.After all, a life without living was simply a death without dying. What more was there to fear or hate but life, endless life, with no respite?

Well I have to jam but let me know if you want to talk or if, like, you want any additional info on Hsin. I may not be close to him as a person but I’m kind of a Vega lexicon. I’ve studied him like a creeper for a while. It’s a little gross. This obsession should really stop sometime before they think I’m a stalker.

All those months Boyd had thought only of Sin. All those times he'd leaned on Sin's memory for strength and conviction. All those nights he'd woken in pain and forced himself to keep going because it was what Sin would have wanted...It hurt to know it may mean nothing.

He'd been too late for Sin. He'd been too weak for Lou. He'd been too young for his dad. They'd all lived and loved and fallen, one by one, leaving deeper imprints on his soul each time. He couldn't change their deaths nor could he change that Sin was now in the same category as Lou and his father. People who he would have done anything for, lost to him in situations where that 'anything' had not been enough.

In that moment, he wanted Sin for Sin—for the quiet of his breath and the unspoken words in his eyes. It was little of physical attraction and everything of emotional. He wanted to just hold Sin without the body needing to be involved other than strong arms and a comforting heartbeat. The reminder of the peace that was so long gone now it felt a lifetime had passed.

Why did he always have to be the one left behind? Why did he always have to be the one to gather the broken pieces and glue them back together, a mockery of what he'd once been? Why did he always have to suffer through the loss—that gaping, wrenching loss that sucked him up, ripped him apart, and carelessly threw him aside?
