Unsui: A Diary of Zen Monastic Life - Softcover

Nishimura, Eshin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0824802721 ISBN 13: 9780824802721

Publisher: University of Hawaii Press, 1983

Synopsis

Although the lines of the palm of the hand are barely visible in the early light, the monks of the Tofukuji monastery have been about their familiar rounds of daily tasks for several hours. Their routine is simple but faithfully practiced. Within its repetition lies the key to the self and the Buddha who resides within.

The daily life of the monastery is portrayed here in ninety-seven watercolor sketches. Drawn during his last years by the Zen monk Giei Sato, these sketches recollect his days as an unsui, an apprentice monk. With humor and steadfast warmth Sato depicts the day of leaving home and the day of returning; the rainy season and the snowy season; the chores, the celebrations, the days of cleaning, and the days of begging. Each of the charming drawings is enhanced by a brief description of the event portrayed, a touch of Zen teaching, or a note on monastic life.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Publication date: 1983
• ISBN 10: 0824802721
• ISBN 13: 9780824802721
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144
• Editor: Smith Bardwell L.
• Illustrator: Satō Giei