ROZAN EKO (1865–1944) Rozan Eko was a gentle and wise teacher who believed that both people and objects fare better if treated with respect.
The primary teacher in Rozan’s life was Jisso Joshin (1851–1904). Jisso was inspired to become a monk when, at the age of twelve, his father took him to a nearby temple where he heard a monk reciting the following poem:
The shadows of bamboo leaves move not an inch,
although they sweep the ground.
The reflection of the moon leaves no scars on the water,
although it drills to the bottom.
After Rozan had studied with Jisso for over twenty years, he was awarded the seal of enlightenment. Then when Jisso was appointed head of training at Myoshin-ji, Rozan became his successor at Tokugen-ji in Nagoya. In October of 1916, for Tokugen-ji’s opening ceremony, over six hundred monks and four thousand lay people were in attendance from all over Japan. This temple greatly expanded and prospered under Rozan's guidance.
In 1919, Rozan was made the superintendent priest of Myoshin-ji and then, after five years there in that capacity, returned to Tokugen-ji.
For the last sixteen years of his life, Rozan lived in quiet seclusion, having resigned all positions. During these years, he painted many Zenga at the request of monks and lay people alike. The "One-Stroke Daruma" was his favorite theme.
Like Torei, Rozan used a clamshell-shaped signature. His cipher was formed by three characters that together mean: "Who is the Master?"
Rozan is featured in The Art of 20th Century Zen by Audrey Seo with Stephen Addiss.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL OF THE PAINTINGS BELOW HAVE BEEN SOLD
AND ARE FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY
"Zen Staff"
by Rozan
