3 Reasons Why Samurai Were Drawn to Zen

Three Reasons Why Samurai Were Drawn to Zen

Many samurai admired the spirit of Zen and practiced it. Here are three reasons why:

1: Timing and Historical Context

The connection between the samurai and Zen Buddhism is partly due to timing. The Kamakura Shogunate, Japan’s first military government, was established in 1185, around the same time as the arrival of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Rinzai Zen was introduced in 1191, and Sōtō Zen in 1227, both during the Kamakura period (1185-1333).

The Kamakura Shogunate, distanced from the established Heian Buddhism (Shingon and Tendai sects), found common ground with the new Zen sect. Eisai, the founder of Rinzai Zen in Japan, sought protection from the Kamakura Shogunate after facing persecution from existing religious groups. Thus, the Kamakura and later Muromachi (1336-1573) Shogunate supported Rinzai Zen. Meanwhile, Sōtō Zen spread among regional samurai, local lords, and common people.

2: Compatibility with the Samurai Spirit

Zen is a religion of self-reliance, teaching the importance of self-discipline and inner strength, resonating with the disciplined and independent nature of the samurai. The rigorous, self-disciplined path of Zen, focusing on achieving enlightenment through personal training, matched the warrior ethos.

Unlike other emerging religions of the time, such as Pure Land Buddhism, which emphasized reliance on external salvation, Zen’s focus on self-mastery appealed to the samurai. A notable example is the support Zen offered to the Kamakura Shogunate during the Mongol invasions of 1274 and 1281. The 8th regent, Hōjō Tokimune, found solace in Zen teachings and his mentor, the monk Mugaku Sogen, who encouraged him to face the Mongol threat with unwavering resolve, encapsulated in the phrase “Maku Bonno” (Don’t be troubled by worldly desires).

3: Connection with Martial Arts

Zen deeply influenced many martial arts masters. For example, Tsuji Gettan (1648-1727), the founder of the “Mugai Ryu,” attained Zen enlightenment at Kyukoji Temple, adopting the name “Mugai Ryu” from a Zen poem.

Another example is Yagyu Munenori (1571-1646), who sought the guidance of Zen monk Takuan Soho to understand the deeper meaning of swordsmanship in the peaceful Edo period. Takuan taught him the concept of “Fudochi” (immovable wisdom), emphasizing the importance of a free, unattached mind. Munenori integrated this “mind method” into his swordsmanship.

The legendary swordsman Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888) also practiced Zen and later founded the Itto Shoden Muto Ryu school of swordsmanship.

Many samurai practiced Zen to cultivate a “mind free of attachments,” a concept that aligned with the martial arts philosophy of facing opponents with a clear, untroubled mind. This harmony between Zen and martial arts likely contributed to the samurai’s deep affinity for Zen.

Experience Why Samurai Were Drawn to Zen

At Denchu Temple in Tokyo, where we offer Zen meditation tours, the vice-abbot provides clear and accessible Zen instruction in English. We invite you to join our Zen meditation tours at Denchu Temple and experience this clarity firsthand.

Additionally, Musashinokuni Mugaikai offers authentic samurai experiences led by masters. By experiencing Zen and samurai practices, you can gain a deeper understanding of both, creating a synergistic and profoundly moving experience. Wouldn’t you like to explore why samurai were drawn to Zen?

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