When and where was Kodo Sawaki born?
Kodo Sawaki was born in the city of Tsu, Mie on the 16th of June 1880. He entered a wealthy home as the sixth child but lost both parents before his tenth birthday.
Questions about Kōdō Sawaki
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Kodo Sawaki become a monk at Eihei-ji temple?
At age sixteen, Kodo Sawaki ran away to become a monk at Eihei-ji temple despite facing mistreatment from other monks there. He stated he would rather die than return home when a monk tried to turn him away.
What happened to Kodo Sawaki during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 1905?
Kodo Sawaki actively supported and participated in the Japanese war effort during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 1905. A bullet split his tongue while shooting through his neck and he woke up in a medical tent marked as a patient likely to die.
Why is Kodo Sawaki known as Homeless Kodo?
Because of his regular travels throughout Japan to teach zen he came to be known as Homeless Kodo. He traveled the country speaking wherever a request was made until two years before his death focused on teaching laypeople.
When did Kodo Sawaki die and what were his last words?
Sawaki died on the 21st of December 1965 at Antaiji. His last words were Look at that Nature is magnificent.