PK
Philip Kapleau
13quotes
Philip Kapleau: A Life of Zen Wisdom and Devotion
Full Name and Common Aliases
Philip Kapleau, also known as Dainin Sogen Rosh, was a Japanese-American Buddhist monk and scholar who dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Zen Buddhism.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 1, 1912, in New York City, USA, Philip Kapleau passed away on April 23, 2004, at the age of 92.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Kapleau was a dual citizen of the United States and Japan. He held various roles throughout his life as a Zen master, teacher, author, and translator.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in New York City, Kapleau developed an interest in Eastern spirituality at a young age. He began studying Buddhism while still in high school and went on to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Chicago. In 1944, he moved to Japan to study Zen under the guidance of Hakuun Yasutani Roshi.
Major Accomplishments
Kapleau's most significant contributions to Zen Buddhism were his tireless efforts to introduce its teachings to the Western world. He founded the Rochester Zen Center in New York State, which became a hub for Zen practice and study. Kapleau was also an accomplished translator of Buddhist texts, having worked on several seminal works, including "The Three Pillars of Zen" and "Zen: Merging of East and West".
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Kapleau's most notable writings include:
"The Three Pillars of Zen" (1966): A comprehensive introduction to the practice and philosophy of Zen Buddhism.
"Zen: Merging of East and West" (1965): An exploration of the intersection between Eastern spirituality and Western culture.
Kapleau's commitment to spreading Zen teachings led him to establish the Rochester Zen Center, which continues to thrive as a hub for Buddhist practice and study. He also played a significant role in introducing Zen to the United States, paving the way for future generations of Zen practitioners.
Impact and Legacy
Philip Kapleau's impact on modern Buddhism extends far beyond his own work. His dedication to making Zen accessible has inspired countless individuals to explore the teachings of this ancient tradition. Through his writings, teaching, and establishment of the Rochester Zen Center, Kapleau helped bridge the cultural divide between East and West.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Philip Kapleau's quotes and writings continue to be widely read and studied today due to their timeless wisdom and insight into the human experience. His ability to convey complex Buddhist concepts in clear, accessible language has made him a beloved figure among spiritual seekers worldwide.
Quotes by Philip Kapleau
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The uniqueness of zazen lies in this: that the mind is freed from bondage to all thought forms, visions, objects, and imaginings, however sacred or elevating, and brought to a state of absolute emptiness, from which alone it may one day perceive its own true nature, or the nature of the universe.
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To put the flesh of an animal into one’s belly makes one an accessory after the fact of its slaughter, simply because if cows, pigs, sheep, fowl, and fish, to mention the most common, were not eaten they would not be killed.
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For the ordinary man, whose mind is a checkerboard of criss-crossing reflections, opinions, and prejudices, bare attention is virtually impossible.
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Although we all possess the seeds of great love and compassion, without the light of the enlightened one’s wisdom and the waters of their compassion these seeds would never spout.
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If you fall into poverty, live that way without grumbling – then your poverty will not burden you. Likewise, if you are rich, live with your riches. All this is the functioning of Buddha-nature. In short, Buddha-nature has the quality of infinite adaptability.
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Every individual who eats flesh food, whether an animal is killed expressely for him or not, is supporting the trade of slaughtering and contributing to the violent deaths of harmless animals.
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Many have come to realization simply by listening to the tinkling of a bell or some other sound.
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You yourself are time- your body, your mind, the objects around you. Plunge into the river of time and swim, instead of standing on the banks and noting the course of the currents.
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To suppress the grief, the pain, is to condemn oneself to a living death. Living fully means feeling fully; it means becoming completely one with what you are experiencing and not holding it at arm’s length.
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