The Denkoroku: The Record of the Transmission of Light was translated into English by the late Rev. Master Jiyu Kennett of the Shasta Abbey Zen Buddhist Monastery from the original writings of Master Keizan Zenji. Master Kennett, a late twentieth century Buddhist Master, felt that the long sentences of Buddhist writings would be difficult and annoying for many English readers, but she refused to apologize for these insisting that it was within those long sentences that the many facets and degrees of stillness could be found.
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 Dokai of MountFuyo, The Forty Fifth Ancestor
“Whilst training with Tosu Gisei, Dokai asked, ‘The words and phrases of the Buddhas and Ancestors are like ordinary, every-day tea and rice; apart from these, is there anything else that is particularly helpful to people?’ Tosu responded, ‘Tell me, when the emperor creates mandates from within the palace walls does he still avail himself of the authority of Yao, Shun, Yu and T’ang (i.e. the four ancient rulers during the Golden Age of Chinese history)?’ Dokai wavered. As he was about to respond, Tosu brushed across Dokai’s mouth with his fountain scepter as if brushing away crumbs and said, ‘When you intentionally let thoughts arise, forthwish you will get thirty blows!’ Thereupon Dokai awakened to his TRUE SELF.” The Denkoroku: The Record of the Transmission of Light.
Dokai of Mount Fuyo’s name means ‘A Model of the Way’ and he was from Mount Iyo.
“There is no need for rouge or powder
for any ugliness would be hard to find;
Just love the lustrous radiance that adorns
The Body of the Heavenly Child within yourself.”
Keizan Zenji summarizes the teaching of Dokai of Mount Fuyo
Sources: The Denkoroku: The Record of the Transmission of Light – Keizan Zenji, Shasta Abbey Buddhist Monastery
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