2018/05/30
Keio University
To commemorate the 100th memorial anniversary of the death of Zen monk Shaku Soen (1860–1919), who introduced ZEN (zazen) to the world, the Rinzai Engaku-ji school, where Soen served as chief abbot, and Keio University, where he studied, will co-host a historical exhibition looking back on his life. Soen was widely respected during the Meiji and Taisho eras and was deeply trusted by influential figures in the political and business worlds, as well as by cultural figures. Natsume Soseki's Zen practice under him is particularly famous. Focusing on his younger days, this exhibition will present the life of this unconventional Zen monk, who broadened his horizons from modern Japan to the world, through approximately 100 original artifacts. It will cover his time at Keio University, which he entered at the age of 26 against his master's wishes; his studies in Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka), where he learned Pali and Buddhism; his participation as a Japanese delegate in the first-ever interfaith dialogue, the first Parliament of the World's Religions, held in Chicago in 1893; and his service as a chaplain during the Russo-Japanese War. Special dialogues and zazen workshops will also be held. We would appreciate it if you could list this in your event calendar and welcome any media coverage.
Please see below for the full press release.