Kodo Sawaki

Kodo Sawaki was a renowned Japanese Zen Buddhist monk and teacher known for revitalizing Zen practice, especially through the popularization of seated meditation (zazen) among everyday people. He emphasized direct, experiential understanding of enlightenment, encouraging practitioners to practice diligently without relying on complex rituals. Sawaki also promoted the practice of “what the situation calls for,” fostering accessibility and mindfulness in daily life. His teachings continue to influence contemporary Zen practice, emphasizing sincerity, effort, and the importance of practice as an integral part of living fully in the present moment.