Abstract

We who are easily swayed by societal norms, the opinions of others, and social media posts, and who lack self-confidence, how can we regain it? Based on the philosophy of "invincibility" (controlling one's own mind, which is one's greatest enemy) cherished by Yamaoka Tesshu (a swordsman and politician who was active from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era), and the teachings of Buddhism and Zen, this book proposes that by letting go of egoistic self-consciousness, a free and independent way of life can be achieved. This is a book of encouragement for troubled young people from the head priest of Zensho-an (Taito-ku, Tokyo), a Zen temple founded by Yamaoka Tesshu.

Author’s Information

Born in Tokyo in 1967 (Showa 42), he is the 7th chief priest of Zensho-an Temple (Taito-ku, Tokyo), a temple of the Rinzai sect, Kokutai-ji branch. After graduating from the Faculty of Law at Gakushuin University, he trained at the Ryutaku-ji Temple training center in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and has held his current position since 2002 (Heisei 14). In addition to temple duties and Zen meditation instruction, he also gives lectures and writes. His major works include "The Zen Teachings of Living Without Attachment" (Mikasa Shobo), "Yamaoka Tesshu's Self-Cultivation Teachings" (Chichi Publishing), "Morning, Noon, and Night Habits for a Calmed Mind: Learning from a Monk" (Discover Twenty-One), and "Living by Cherishing the 'Invisible Things'" (Gentosha), as well as co-edited works such as "Revised New Edition: The Seriousness of Tesshu Koji" (Kosei Publishing).