Hakuin Ekaku (1685-1768) was a Zen monk of the Edo period who devoted himself to proselytizing to the people and left numerous calligraphies and paintings.

He is considered the founder of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, and is so important a figure in Japanese Zen Buddhism that all current Rinzai monks are said to be Hakuin’s disciples.

"All living beings are originally Buddhas"

The calligraphy and paintings left behind for the purpose of public education are a fascinating group of highly individual works, even from the perspective of Japanese art history.

There are many fans of Hakuin's calligraphy not only in Japan but all over the world.

- Click here for a detailed explanation page about the works and life of Hakuin Ekaku. -

"Shogendo," an exhibition hall dedicated to Hakuin (Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
Gallery So was also involved in collecting the works.