Background
Shōsan was born in modern-day Aichi Prefecture of Japan.
鈴木正三
Shōsan was born in modern-day Aichi Prefecture of Japan.
Shōsan went on to write several treatises before his death in 1655 at 76 years old. Shosan taught that true enlightenment comes during one"s daily tasks. Whether one is "tilling fields, or selling wares, or even confronting an enemy in the heat of battle, direct enlightenment will occur at key moment"s of one"s day to day life".
Sometimes he asked learners to physically emulate the postures of the Niō, as well as other warrior deities like Fudo and Bishamonten, to aid them in concentration.
The energy gained by thinking about the Niō was purported to help learners develop a warrior"s fortitude, and to overcome the evil energies that inhibited them from progressing towards enlightenment.