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Takuan Soho (1573 -
1645) was a Renzai Zen Buddhist
abbot, writer, painter, calligrapher,
gardener, cook and tea master.
He infused the Zen spirit in all aspects of life, advising and inspiring
people of all walks of life.
He taught many samurai and warriors, including the famous sword master
Minamoto Musashi (author of The
Book of Five Rings). He expounded his application of the Zen
spirit to martial arts in his book entitled
The Unfettered Mind.
Despite his popularity and
prominence among the powerful members of society, he remained always
simple and detached.
Feeling the
moment of his death approaching, he painted the Chinese character for
dream, laid down his brush, and peacefully died.
  
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