Muso Soseki Japan (1275 - 1351) Timeline Buddhist : Zen / Chan Poems by Muso Soseki Books - Links

Muso Soseki first practiced Zen under the guidance of a Chinese teacher but he "failed miserably." He later studied with the Japanese Zen master Koho Kennichi and soon began to unfold into profound awakening, receiving certification of enlightenment in 1339.

Muso Soseki went on to teach large numbers of students and, like many Zen practitioners, write poetry. He also became an advisor to the Shogun and helped to re-establish trade and communications between Japan and China.

Soseki is perhaps most famous, however, for his profound influence in the art of Zen gardening as spaces to cultivate awareness.

Poems by Muso Soseki

• At the Nachi Kan'non Hall
• Beyond the World
• Buddha's Satori
• Clear Valley
• Hui-neng's Pond
• Incomparable Verse Valley
• No End Point
• Old Creek
• Snow Garden
• Temple of Eternal Light
• The Gate of Universal Light
• Toki-no-Ge (Satori Poem)

Recommended Books: Muso Soseki

Sun at Midnight: Muso Soseki - Poems and Sermons	East Window: Poems from Asia	Roaring Stream: A New Zen Reader

Related Links

Recall the Two Zen Masters
http://facstaff.elon.edu/sullivan/ashikaga.htm
Contains a brief section on Muso Soseki along with a couple of poems.

JGarden - Historical Biographies
http://www.jgarden.org/biographies.asp?ID=21
A biography of Soseki with an emphasis on his garden designs.

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