Suzuki Daisetsu’s Understanding of Hakuin Zenji

Abstract

In this article, the author explores Suzuki Daisetsu’s (1880–1966) understanding of Hakuin Zenji (1685–1768) and his teachings. In his many works, Suzuki Daisetsu did not mention much about Hakuin Zenji in his many works. The author enumerates and analyzes the main works written about Hakuin Zenji in the Suzuki Daisetsu Complete Works. The general impression is that in some cases Suzuki Daisetsu used Hakuin’s words to endorse his own thoughts. At the same time, we can see that some of the deepest aspects of Hakuin’s teachings were also grasped by Suzuki.