A Life Dedicated to Zen: The World of Gesshū Sōko Gesshū Sōko, born in Hizen Province, Japan, in 1618 and passing away in 1696, was far more than simply a calligrapher or poet. He embodied the spirit of Zen Buddhism as both a dedicated teacher within the Sōtō school and a pivotal figure in its reformation during the Edo period. His life unfolded against a backdrop of evolving religious practices and societal shifts, and he navigated these complexities with a profound commitment to his faith and artistic expression. While many artists leave behind a tangible body of work—paintings, sculptures…