Kodo Sawaki was a prominent Japanese Sōtō Zen teacher of the 20th century. He is considered to be one of the most significant Zen priests of his time for bringing Zen practice into the lives of laypeople and popularizing the ancient tradition of sewing the kesa.
Kōdō Sawaki
Calligraphy by Kōdō Sawaki. 海底泥牛吼 (Clay ox howls on the floor of the sea)
Sōtō Zen or the Sōtō school is the largest of the three traditional sects of Zen in Japanese Buddhism. It is the Japanese line of the Chinese Cáodòng school, which was founded during the Tang dynasty by Dòngshān Liánjiè. It emphasizes Shikantaza, meditation with no objects, anchors, or content. The meditator strives to be aware of the stream of thoughts, allowing them to arise and pass away without interference.
Shitou Xiqian
Dōgen Zenji, credited as a founder of the Sōtō sect in Japan
Koun Ejō
Tettsū Gikai