Keizan Zenji records in The Denkoroku: The Record of the Transmission of Light, that after leaving the palace to become a profound ascetic, Shakyamuni Buddha discovered the middle way – the path of no extremes. It was at this time that he propounded the Four Noble Truths. These four truths are 1.) The Truth of Suffering, 2.) The Truth of the Origin of Suffering, 3.) The Truth of the Extinction of Suffering, and 4.) The Truth of the Path that Leads to the Extinction of Suffering. This path is found by practicing Right Understanding, Thought, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness and Concentration. The Denkoroku: The Record of the Transmission of Light records the line of ancestors in the Zen Buddhist tradition back to Shakyamuni Buddha.
The Preservation of the Lineage
It was the Great Master Keizan Zenji who realized that the lineage of the Zen Ancestors could be lost if it were not recorded. He began writing The Denkoroku: The Record of the Transmission of Light in the 14th century with a special emphasis on preserving the moment that each of the Zen Ancestors received enlightenment.
Master Keizan Zenji entered the monastery Eiheiji at a very young age. He was born in Fukui Prefecture in 1267 and entered as a young boy. Learning from two great contemporaries of his time – Koun Ejyo and Tettsu Gikai, he has become one of the most beloved Zen Masters.
Writing many works in his life, he is best known for having originated and written most of the religious ceremonies utilized today in Soto Zen Buddhism, but he is also credited with the Sankon-Zazen-Setsu and Denkoroku.
Fifty Two Patriarchs
It was not an easy task to do, but Master Keizan Zenji recorded the moment of transmission between Master and Disciple for each of the Fifty Two Patriarchs. These Patriarchs are most often referred to as the Ancestors of Zen, and in Buddhism there is a great deal of respect accorded to the sequence of the teachings. It is not unlike the Apostolic Succession in Catholic Christianity.
Saint Doan Dohi, The Fortieth Ancestor
“Ungo once pointed out, ‘Since you wish to realize such a thing, undoubtedly you must such a person; since you are such a person, why fret about such a thing?’ Hearing this, Dohi spontaneously awakened to his TRUE SELF.” The Denkoroku: The Record of the Transmission of Light.
Doan Dohi’s name meant ‘Distinguished in the Way’ and it remains unknown as to his clan or birthplace.
Dohi’s master Ungo once spoke in the meditation hall about this understanding of awakening. “When you members of our community begin to speak you give vent to your feelings. You should have a reason for speaking; do not give way to being neglectful What sort of place is this here? How can you consider taking is easy? Whenever you ask about this matter, you be at least a bit discerning of what is right and wrong . . . First of all, do not bring anything along with you into your meditation; if you do, it will bear no likeness to that which you seek.” The Denkoroku: The Record of the Transmission of Light.
“Empty handed, I south IT on my own
and, empty handed, have returned;
Since, from the first, there was nothing to realize,
Now, being satisfied, I have realized!”
Keizan Zenji summarizes the teaching of Doan Dohi
Sources: The Denkoroku: The Record of the Transmission of Light – Keizan Zenji, Shasta Abbey Buddhist Monastery
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