A historical Perspective During the Reign of

CHUI #1

China's Zen Sect founder Daruma Dai Shi found his essence in his nine Mempeki seated in silence in zazen. He was entrusted with the way to this truth path and thru him others followed. The way to the quiet understanding is fraught with difficulties. One has to leave something behind i.e., the old self or ego. Darumas's words in his sermons must be read and understood thoroughly. One must practice Zen ideals daily these are the basics to enable one to enter onto the truth path. In Daruma's biography his discourse on life opens up with facts but there also falsehoods, which must be known so, the adept will not fall from the right path. This was written about by Ryuden Seizansha in the Chugoku Zen Shi [Kozu Zen Dai San Kenzen no Rekishi]. Next are a few examples.

CHUI #2
Daruma founded China’s Zenshu during the Liang era and after him was Keika then followed by Doshin (580~651), Kunin (601~74), then Keino (638~713). The Zen law was passed on to these individuals who passed the law onto their students. But historians have not officially recognized this assertion of the last person Keino. It is said that in the later half of the 7th century Sokei or Jinshu was awarded the title of the sixth founder according to historical records.

Records say his sect was formed in the north and flourished from (606 ~706). These facts are important because the zenshu history is an important outline to know in Buddhist history. Daruma no Bukkyo and his sacred texts had a certain silent point to them all. All this was passed on in old ways of master to student. We have seen much over these last pages. Daruma as the beginning founder his thoughts words and deeds all passed on for future generations to learn by.

The impact of this man and his religion changed the state of affairs drastically in China during his time and laid the foundations for many changes yet to come. Daruma had quite a large order as can be seen thru these writings. These have been chronicled by Zokuko Shoden and Keiko Soden. This was the golden era for Buddhism.

---Go Sekimatsuno Rakuyo---

---Ni iru Sho Ko Ron---
One underlying point why Daruma had started this Zen sect was to protect and defend men against evil. His image is still used today to do just that. In the ancient province of Liang the military had a conversation with Keiko no Danhi Giho Daruma's pupil at Su-San at the Shorin-Ji temple. This was at the end of the ninth year of Daruna's mempeki. They were talking about the famous teacher Bodai Rushi who was recently poisoned. He was buried in an unmarked grave. Later people went back to check on this grave only to find that the casket was empty. Since that time the original sect founders image was put everywhere to protect against all evil. Many thoughts were manifested from this missing body incident. Some thought Bodai Rushi came back to life, others say he was roaming endlessly looking for this killer. Others say Daruma came for him and gave him a place on the wheel of life.
Many scholars have studied long and hard on the Chinese Zen sect that Daruma had started. Much information has been unearthed from written sources, temple records, interviews with people who have had information passed by word of mouth etc. Much of it comes from the Rakuyo or Loyang Garan Ki or temple records. Also much was written about Daruma by a priest named (Romanized Paruchia) or Hashikoku who taught at Einei-Ji.
He supposedly lived in a tower at this temple constantly praying and polishing a gold alms bowl. One day a large wind came and rang the tower bell three times. Many thought this was an good omen from Daruma rewarding the priest in the tower. Many prayed day and night for a month reciting the ancient sutras in Daruma's honor. Keiko and his pupil Donrin guided everyone in prayer during that time for one year because of that incident. Much was written about Daruma's pupil Keiko and his pupil Donrin.
In fact a whole section of Daruma's biography was devoted to his pupils especially Keiko.

Next is a little information on Guna Batsudara. Batsuda was a very wise Indian priest from Rakuyo or Loyang. He talks of Daruma and his senior Kobun Tei. The original Shorin-Ji temple was built for Kobun Tei and Daruma. This information about Daruma came from his student Keiko and was written for all the historians throughout the ages. It’s a very powerful writing, which was intended as a guide for man to follow the truth path. It was written very methodically and meticulously. The next two articles are also important which highlight and individual named Ryubikyo.

[Chugoku KObushi-Ho Den]

Nitoria Shobo yori

Shorin Kobushi to Taikyoku Kobushi

Shinjin Butsu o Raisha

---Chui no Bu---

(Notes section) - (Chinese Translation)
This information on Chinese Buddhism is based on many historical records and information gathered from may people private and public. Much of this is taken from history records based on Dosen (596~667) and Zokuko Soden. Many advances were made in Buddhism during the middle ages. The Japanese even took part in its building and dissemination. Also much of these records were based on Daruma's sermons and Ni iru Sho Ko Ron and the two viewpoints and the four practices on this subject. There is also mention of another man or priest named Mubirin. Donrin also played a part this historical drama. He was responsible for some of the newer translations and changes in the sutras. In the preface of his writings there is a short biography on Daruma and his priests.

It is considered the oldest known data on the subject available. The following is part of that preface.

This Law teacher in the lands west of China became a central figure in the conception of a new sect of Buddhism.
Chinese Translation:
The blessings of the gods were heard at this time all over the world. To know the law and to scold those who do not was the way. The reason for this was the law was the principle building block for religion. Those who inherited the way were of the noble line. Many though had empty dark spirits for following the path. Much had to learned by the nobles and the chosen few before one could embark on the path of religion. Both matters inside and out had to be learned. Many of the virtuous and righteous mind but few had the training it took to take them further. Many had attempted to cross the high mountains in search of this truth but only to die in vain. One had to have a clean and pure spirit with no negativity at all within the self. Once that was done then one could search for his existence. The sutras helped man do this. There were two sand gates one had to pass thru. Only a complete understanding would allow them to do this. When finally reached the stage of being a Buddhist teacher there was a peaceful countenance on the faces of the initiated. They had seen the true meaning of the truth path and were enlightened. Ignorance had finally been shed and goodness radiated from their bodies. These law teachers then proceeded to initiate others. This began in the instruction of the truth way. Justice thru peace of mind was their watchwords.

Their conduct was being shaped into docility. This was the justice mission of these priests. There was much power gained thru peace of mind and through the learning of nothingness one achieved peace of mind. Departure from this conduct only resulted in disaster. Defend the practice thru proper conduct of the mind and body. This is what the messengers of old would say. One must purge negativity from the self.

End of Chinese translation

The Buddhist priests of India of old had many Kings and Princes. There were many opinions on many religions and the rigid class structure prevented many from learning the truth way. This was recorded in a record entitled Makaen, which detailed the way to heaven and its arcane principles. Also discussed were the Shoshu (Saint /Sage Class), Shoryu (Inherited or High Class) and Shin (Those of normal Spiritual Value).
In their lessons they talked of the light and the dark, power from inside and outside and the virtues of both in relation to the outside world.
Many priests had crossed the oceans and land bridges to venture into foreign territory to study different religions especially in China. There also were many who had lost there way physically and spiritually. They sought solace in religion. They eventually found their way thru the truth path. This path was like a garden it had to be tended regularly especially the spirit. This religion was not just nearly a path to get from one place to another it was a way of life.
The way thru peace results in much happiness within the spirit. The writings of the ancient’s one must be very respectful of. Always consult a teacher when in doubt. The Buddhist priest was always devoid of personal feelings. These got in the way when one is treading on the truth path. Thru justice on the truth path there is much peace of mind or Anshin. The study of the law will enable one to tread any path and achieve great things in the self and others. The art of wall viewing is only but one of many paths toward justice and Anshin. One must protect the self and others against all negative feelings and this is done thru the truth path. There were many who studied under teachers in India and China alike and many gained the big power thru the truth path. They devoted themselves to learning about their inner spirit and being one with the nothingness. They shrugged off worldly things, means and possessions to achieve heights of spirituality unknown to most. Many went on to become saints and were prosperous spiritually on the truth path. Most kept their roots firm in India but many started their roots in China. Their paths were firm and stout their visions clear and bright.

As Buddhism opened up overseas much of this new religion was declined at first until it caught on. It is regrettable that this was so at first but as it caught on many saw they needed their spirituality healed or elevated.

Many who did go overseas stayed because they knew where their calling was and that was in missionary work. These priests were kind of heart and spirit on this new journey. Many obstructions were encountered but these were overcome once these priests and religion were understood.
Many who did go overseas were novices or adepts but they still persevered and sought guidance form more experienced teachers in their country or overseas. Many of the newer students were more receptive than anticipated. This foreign broadmindedness at times was confusing to the new priests teaching their art of Buddhism.

This spiritual attitude attained thru Buddhism must be achieved with a calm mindset. They say the stillness of a Buddhist priest can be heard all around the world. It is a state of introspection thru inner reflection. This is accomplished by the four ways talked of before. These must be practiced daily. The commandments of Buddhism and its sacred sutras must be followed to the letter. The teachers from before have left their mark for all to follow.

(Honbun ni iru yon oku ron <<368-372>>

Sansho) - (Parts of a text discusssion

of the 2 paths and the four ways)

- Ryuden Sanshocho Zen no I Daruma no

goroku ni iru yon oku ran <>

(Zen writings of Ruden Sanchosho and

analects of the two paths and the four

four ways according to Daruma. From

the Shobo library.)