Gudō Tōshoku

Gudō Toshoku (1577–1661) was a Japanese Rinzai school zen monk from the early Tokugawa period.

Biography He was a leading figure in the Ōtōkan lineage of the Myōshin-ji, where he led a reform movement to revitalize the practice of Rinzai. He served three times as abbot of Myōshin-ji. Among his leading disciples was Shidō Bunan (Munan)(1603–1676), the teacher of Shoju Rojin (Dokyu Etan)(1642–1721), who in turn was the principal teacher of Hakuin Ekaku (1685–1768). The illustrious Zen preacher Bankei Yōtaku earlier in life wanted to meet Gudō and receive confirmation of enlightenment, but narrowly missed seeing him at his Daisen-ji temple in Mino province (today's Gifu prefecture) because the master was visiting up in Edo (Tokyo). Gudō received the posthumous title Daien Hôkan Kokushi (national teacher). He left no written words.

Teachings Gudō Toshoku left few written records or sayings. The best-known is a conversation with the Emperor:

In late life, he said:

Just before dying, he wrote