Hakuin Ekaku (Hakuin Ekaku)

Hakuin Ekaku (1686–1769) was a influential Japanese Zen Buddhist monk and teacher, renowned for revitalizing the Rinzai school of Zen. He emphasized rigorous meditation, personal discipline, and direct experience of enlightenment. Hakuin combined deep philosophical insights with practical methods, making Zen teachings accessible and applicable to everyday life. His poetry, teachings, and artworks continue to inspire practitioners worldwide, stressing the importance of perseverance and mindfulness in achieving spiritual awakening. He played a key role in shaping modern Zen practice, balancing spiritual rigor with compassion and clarity.