Hōsen Sōhō

Hōsen Sōhō was a Japanese Zen Buddhist priest and the 13th traditional master of Rinzai Zen. Lived from 1868 to 1938, he is known for revitalizing Zen practice during Japan's modernization. Sōhō emphasized direct experience and meditation as essential for realizing one’s true nature, encouraging students to integrate Zen insights into daily life. He contributed to Zen education and was influential in spreading Zen teachings both in Japan and abroad. His work helped shape modern Zen practice, blending traditional teachings with contemporary relevance.