Zen Master Seung Sahn

Zen Master Seung Sahn is one of the most influential Zen masters of the 20th century. He was born in 1927 in Korea and was an early disciple of the influential Zen master, Hua Tou. He studied under him in South Korea, traveled to Japan and China, and eventually found his way to the United States where he started to teach.

Zen Master Seung Sahn was recognized as a great teacher in the Western world, although he didn’t have any formal training in the West prior to his arrival. His approach to teaching was based on the tradition of Korean Seon (or Sŏn) Buddhism, which emphasizes mindfulness and non-dualistic thinking. He introduced dozens of students and followers to the concept of “Don’t-know mind” and to the practice of meditation, which he described as “moving from the thinking mind to the don’t-know mind.”

Zen Master Seung Sahn is best known for his seminal book Dropping Ashes on the Buddha, where he outlines his approach to Zen. He describes the core value of Zen as the “open heart and clear mind” and how the practice of Dok Na can help to create that state. Dok Na is a type of mindful walking meditation where the practitioner focuses on the center of the brain and is encouraged to spend time in “active, alert emptiness.”

He also wrote The Compass of Zen which guides readers on their journey to enlightenment. This book outlines a practical guide to Zen based on the Chinese text known as “The Platform Sutra” and gives advice on how to maintain a balanced life. He also wrote The Miraculous Voyage Of The Sloth, which outlines the traditional Korean Seon meditation practice, various tools of meditation practice, and gives a history of the Sloth Saint, who is said to have introduced meditation to Korea over two millennia ago. He writes about how understanding our place in the universe can help us find peace and balance in our lives.

Zen Master Seung Sahn was also an advocate for Zen as a practice of kindness, as he said in one of his talks: “Our practice is not for ourselves alone; it is for all beings.” He was dedicated to helping others on their journey to enlightenment, and provided them with the tools he had learned himself.

Zen Master Seung Sahn was a dedicated and influential teacher who has spoken around the world and has given many talks, books, and essays on Zen. Through his words he encouraged others to seek a greater understanding of their inner beauty and truth. His teachings have helped many find peace and balance in their lives. Zen Master Seung Sahn will always be remembered as one of the most influential Zen masters of the 20th century.