“If you are loyal to your lord and filial to your parents I’ll give you my straw raincoat, straw hat, magic mallet, and bag.”¹

 

This painting illustrates clearly how Hakuin’s emphasis on important philosophical concepts, derived from both Zen Buddhism and Confucianism, is communicated through his powerful and gestural calligraphy, with variation in size, saturation, and style of each character meant to highlight the most important elements of Hakuin’s teachings, a technique most clearly illustrated by the heavy brushstrokes and thick ink of the large character for sincerity, visible at far right.

 

Hakuin’s inscription seems to satirize his status as a monk and teacher of great renown and wisdom, contrasting this elevated role with his paltry list of personal possessions. Unlike earthly riches and treasures, traits such as sincerity are the true inheritance of the pious and wise.

 

—Bradley Bailey