Tettō Gikō

Tetto Giko - Nom de Plume “Korin” Given to a Pupil

Tettō Gikō (Japanese: 徹翁義亨, 1295 - May 15, 1369) was a Japanese Zen priest of Rinzai school[1], artist and poet.

Quotes

• I look now at the very moment
  Even the Buddha is dumbfounded.
  All turns with a swing.
  I land on the plain of nothingness.
  • Japanese Death Poems. Compiled by Yoel Hoffmann. ISBN 978-0-8048-3179-6

• The truth is never taken
  From another.
  One carries it always
  By oneself.
  Katsu!
  • Japanese Death Poems. Compiled by Yoel Hoffmann. ISBN 978-0-8048-3179-6

Quotes about Tetto Giko

• The dying master left Daitoku-ji in the hands of Tetto Giko, his disciple during the years of obscurity at Ungo-an and the head monk of Daitokuji since its inauguration. Tetto, an able and energetic administrator, served as abbot for thirty-one years. He persuaded several well-known nobles and warriors to become personal disciples and temple patrons, stabilizing Daitokuji during a period of political and economic adversity. Tetto was so fervent in the guidance of his monks that he once threatened to cut off his own tongue unless someone attained kensho during a ninety-day training session. Midway through the term Gongai Sochu (1315-1390) came to enlightenment, and Gongai later became Tetto’s principal successor.
  • Kenneth Kraft. Eloquent Zen: Daitō and Early Japanese Zen. 1997

Works

• Words of Tetto Osho (ja: 『徹翁和尚語録』), 2Vols., 応永32 年(1435)