Kōdō Sawaki

Kōdō Sawaki was a renowned Japanese Zen Buddhist monk and teacher known for his emphasis on zazen (seated meditation) as the core practice of enlightenment. He advocated for a straightforward, accessible approach to Zen, encouraging practitioners to focus on direct experience rather than complicated rituals or intellectual pursuits. Sawaki emphasized that enlightenment is achievable by everyday people through sincere meditation and mindfulness. His teachings aim to make Zen practical, emphasizing humility, compassion, and the importance of practice in daily life. His influence persists in Zen circles worldwide, inspiring many to engage with meditation as a way of life.