Takuan Sōhō

Quick Facts: Who was Takuan Sōhō?

Subject:

Takuan Sōhō

Known for:

Zen Buddhist prelate known for calligraphy, poetry, and his profound teachings on the unbound mind.

Born:

1573-12-24

Died:

1646-01-27

Century / Era:

1573s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Takuan Sōhō (沢庵 宗彭; December 24, 1573 – January 27, 1645) was a Japanese Buddhist prelate during the Sengoku and early Edo Periods of Japanese history. He was a major figure in the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Noted for his calligraphy, poetry, and tea ceremony, he is also popularly credited with the invention of the takuan pickled radish. Takuan Sōhō was born as the second son of Akiba Tsunanori, a samurai and senior retainer of the Yamana clan in the town of Izushi, in Tajima Province (present-day Toyooka, Hyōgo). When he was eight years old, the Yamana clan were defeated by the forces of Oda Nobunaga led by Hashiba Hideyoshi, making his father a ronin.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1582 Takuan entered the temple of Shōen-ji in Izushi as an acolyte, and in 1586 he was sent to the temple of Sōkyō-ji, also in Izushi, to further studies. In 1591, Maeno Nagayasu, the lord of Izushi Castle during this period, invited Kaoru Sotada a disciple of Daitoku-ji's Shunoku Sōen to administer Sōkyō-ji and Takuan became his disciple. When Kaoru was transferred back to Daitoku-ji in 1594, Takuan accompanied him to Kyoto. There, he studied also directly under Shunoku Sōen at the temple of Sangen-in. In 1599, when Ishida Mitsunari built a memorial temple for his mother in Sawayama Castle, Shunoku and Takuan relocated to Sawayama and remained into the following year.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

However, after the fall of the castle subsequent to the Battle of Sekigahara and the death of Ishida Mitsunari, Takuan escaped. He was able to recover the body of the executed Ishida Mitsunari and assisted in his funeral services at Sangen-in in Kyoto. After his mentor, Kaoru Sotada died, Takuan relocated to Sakai in Izumi Province. He took the name of "Takuan" in 1604, having used a number of names up until this point as assigned by various of his teachers. In 1607, Takuan returned to Daitoku-ji and in 1609 was appointed its 154th head abbot.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1573 (1573-12-24): Birth of Takuan Sōhō — Zen Buddhist prelate known for calligraphy, poetry, and his profound teachings on the unbound mind.
2. 1582: 1582 Milestone — In 1582 Takuan entered the temple of Shōen-ji in Izushi as an acolyte, and in 1586 he was sent to the temple of Sōkyō-ji, also in Izushi, to further studies.
3. 1591: 1591 Milestone — In 1591, Maeno Nagayasu, the lord of Izushi Castle during this period, invited Kaoru Sotada a disciple of Daitoku-ji's Shunoku Sōen to administer Sōkyō-ji and Takuan became his disciple.
4. 1594: 1594 Milestone — When Kaoru was transferred back to Daitoku-ji in 1594, Takuan accompanied him to Kyoto.
5. 1599: 1599 Milestone — In 1599, when Ishida Mitsunari built a memorial temple for his mother in Sawayama Castle, Shunoku and Takuan relocated to Sawayama and remained into the following year.
6. 1604: 1604 Milestone — He took the name of "Takuan" in 1604, having used a number of names up until this point as assigned by various of his teachers.
7. 1607: 1607 Milestone — In 1607, Takuan returned to Daitoku-ji and in 1609 was appointed its 154th head abbot.
8. 1646 (1646-01-27): Passing & Historical Legacy — Takuan Sōhō passed away on 1646-01-27, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Takuan Sōhō

“I have no disciple who has succeeded to my Dharma. After I am dead, if anyone says he is my heir, that person is a Dharma thief.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Takuan Sōhō

True or False: “Takuan Sōhō was instrumental in establishing the formal lineage of Zen Buddhism through direct student succession.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He famously refused to give Dharma transmission, stating that he had no successor and warning against any self-proclaimed heir.

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• 1573 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1573
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• 1646 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1646
• January 27 (01-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 27

Frequently Asked Questions about Takuan Sōhō