Yamamoto Gempō

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Yamamoto Gempō (1866–1961). Prominent Zen Buddhist of his time, sometimes called ‘the 20th-cent. Hakuin’. A foundling, with poor eyesight, he was virtually illiterate. He abandoned his wife and home to seek Zen training, receiving the seal of recognition (inka-shōmei) from Sōhan. He specialized in the way of writing (shōdō: see ART (CH'AN/ZEN)), and the Zen of indifference—remaining fond of wine and women.