Framed [Zen phrase] Kunpuu Ji Nan Rai ◆ Daitokuji School, Ziunzan Zuikoin, Sougen Maeda (Original work)

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■Title■ Framed Zen Phrase: Kunpu Minami Yori Kitaru by Sogen Maeda, Zuikoin Temple, Daikoji School

■Dimensions■ (Approx.) Width 24cm x Height 27cm - Shikishi board

■Frame Dimensions■ (Approx.) Width 41cm x Height 43.6cm - Frame

■Brief Biography■ Sogen Maeda

Born April 10, 1932.

After graduating from Doshisha University's Faculty of Economics,

trained at the Kennin-ji Temple monastery in Kyoto.

Zuikoin is a temple located in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto, with the mountain name Shiunzan, and belongs to the Rinzai school, Daikoji branch.

This shikishi board, Kunpu Minami Yori Kitaru, is an authentic work by Master Sogen Maeda.

The seal is Suikoken.

The frame is used and has some minor scratches.

~What is Kunpu Minami Yori Kitaru (The fragrant wind comes from the south)?~

In the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, it is read as Kunpu Minami Yori Kitaru.

According to Gotō Egeng Vol. 19.

In response to the question What is enlightenment?, Ummon Bun'en replied, Tōzan Suijōkō (Walking on water in the eastern mountains), but

Engo Kokugon replied, If it were me, I would say, 'Kunpu Minami Yori Kitaru, Denkaku Sei Biryō' (The fragrant wind comes from the south, bringing a slight coolness to the pavilions).

Upon hearing this, Daie Sokō attained great enlightenment, and thus the phrase Kunpu Minami Yori Kitaru became popular in Zen Buddhist society.

Zen practitioners cherish this phrase, and tea masters respect single-line calligraphy of this phrase, not for its superficial meaning, but for the state of mind that Engo Kokugon entrusted to it, and the state of mind that Daie achieved through it.

But what kind of state of mind is that?

Ultimately, it is a refreshing and clear state of mind where one forgets about relative thoughts such as right/wrong, good/evil, profit/loss, gain/loss, as well as various delusions, rigid norms, and even seemingly profound enlightenment. It is also the state of mind where one effortlessly and naturally performs ordinary actions without any strain from that state of mind.

It is the state of mind of a Zen practitioner who has transcended duality.

※References: Chakake of Zen Phrases: Single-line Calligraphy by Koshiro Haga; Encyclopedia of Zen Phrases by Katsumi Okimoto and Gensho Takeanui.