Taisen Deshimaru

Quick Facts: Who was Taisen Deshimaru?

Subject:

Taisen Deshimaru

Known for:

Pioneering Sōtō Zen teacher who established international centers for Zen practice.

Born:

1914-11-29

Died:

1982-04-30

Century / Era:

1914s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Taisen Deshimaru (弟子丸 泰仙, Deshimaru Taisen; 29 November 1914 - April 30, 1982) was a Japanese Sōtō Zen Buddhist teacher, who founded the Association Zen Internationale. Born in the Saga Prefecture of Kyūshū, Deshimaru was raised by his grandfather, a former Samurai before the Meiji Revolution, and by his mother, a devout follower of the Jōdo Shinshū sect of Buddhism. Interested in the world, he abandoned his mother's practices and studied Christianity for a long while under a Protestant minister before ultimately deciding that it was not for him either. He returned to Buddhism and eventually came into contact with Rinzai teachings. Eventually, he also grew distant from Rinzai Buddhism and was unsatisfied by his life as a businessman.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1935, when he was studying economics in Tokyo, Deshimaru began to practice under Sōtō Zen Master Kodo Sawaki. Following the Attack on Pearl Harbor, his master predicted that Japan would lose the war. When Deshimaru departed from his Master, Kodo said "Our homeland will be destroyed, our people annihilated . and this may be the last time we see one another. Nevertheless, love all mankind regardless of race or creed." Deshimaru was exempted from the Imperial Japanese Army because of his near-sightedness.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He went to the island of Bangka, Indonesia, to direct a copper mine. There he taught the practice of zazen to the Chinese, Indonesian, and European inhabitants. He defended inhabitants against the violence of his own people, and was therefore almost thrown in jail, in which case he would have been released by "the highest military authorities in Japan". Thereafter Deshimaru went to the island of Belitung, to direct a copper mine which was captured from the Dutch. After the war he was taken prisoner by the Americans, and sent to a camp in Singapore.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1914 (1914-11-29): Birth of Taisen Deshimaru — Pioneering Sōtō Zen teacher who established international centers for Zen practice.
2. 1935: 1935 Milestone — In 1935, when he was studying economics in Tokyo, Deshimaru began to practice under Sōtō Zen Master Kodo Sawaki.
3. 1982 (1982-04-30): Passing & Historical Legacy — Taisen Deshimaru passed away on 1982-04-30, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Taisen Deshimaru

“Nevertheless, love all mankind regardless of race or creed.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Taisen Deshimaru

True or False: “Taisen Deshimaru was ordained as a monk immediately after leaving his master, Kodo Sawaki.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He received ordination as a monk shortly before Sawaki became ill, and claimed dharma transmission at Sawaki's deathbed.

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• 1914 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1914
• November 29 (11-29) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 29
• 1982 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1982
• April 30 (04-30) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 30

Frequently Asked Questions about Taisen Deshimaru