Kōshū Itabashi

Quick Facts: Who was Kōshū Itabashi?

Subject:

Kōshū Itabashi

Known for:

Sōtō Zen master and influential Abbot of Sojiji, known for developing chair Zazen.

Born:

1927

Died:

2020-07-05

Century / Era:

1927s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kōshū Itabashi (板橋 興宗, Itabashi Kōshū; 1927 – 5 July 2020) was a Sōtō Zen master who was the 23rd abbot of Sojiji, abbot of Gotanjoji in Takefu, Fukui, and abbot of Daijoji in Kanazawa, Ishikawa all in Japan. He was born in Tagajo, Miyagi in 1927. He graduated from the Naval Academy of Japan in 1945. He also graduated in religious studies at Tohoku University in 1953. He became a Sōtō Zen monk according to Genshū Watanabe.

Career & Major Achievements

He was trained in Sojiji and he studied under Giyen Inoue in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. He succeeded Ryūtan Matsumoto in Daijoji and became Tanto Roshi of Sojiji leading monks. He became Godo Roshi of Sojijisoin, abbot of Daijoji. He also devised chair Zazen.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He was elected vice abbot of Sojij, and became the 23rd abbot of Sojiji and Sotozen Superintendent Master (Kancho) in 1998. He retired as abbot of Sojiji in 2002. He became abbot Sojijisoin. And he was revived Gotanjoji.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1927: Birth of Kōshū Itabashi — Sōtō Zen master and influential Abbot of Sojiji, known for developing chair Zazen.
2. 1945: 1945 Milestone — He graduated from the Naval Academy of Japan in 1945.
3. 1953: 1953 Milestone — He also graduated in religious studies at Tohoku University in 1953.
4. 1998: 1998 Milestone — He was elected vice abbot of Sojij, and became the 23rd abbot of Sojiji and Sotozen Superintendent Master (Kancho) in 1998.
5. 2002: 2002 Milestone — He retired as abbot of Sojiji in 2002.
6. 2020 (2020-07-05): Passing & Historical Legacy — Kōshū Itabashi passed away on 2020-07-05, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Kōshū Itabashi

“I only know I'm satisfied” (2008)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kōshū Itabashi

True or False: “Kōshū Itabashi was primarily associated with the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was a prominent master within the Sōtō Zen tradition.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kōshū Itabashi