The Influence of Sino-Japanese Zen Communication on Five Mountain Poetry: A Case Study of Zekkai Chuushin

Abstract

Five Mountain culture, a unique Sino-Japanese exchange, shaped Japan's development via Zen monks. These monks in China and Japan infused Zen's allure into Japan, initially captivating aristocrats and later the masses. As Five Mountain culture spread, it met the ruling party's needs, blending Chinese culture with local roots to form a distinct Japanese culture. Zen monks, especially Zekkai Chuushin, who studied in China, played pivotal roles. Zekkai Chuushin's Zen mastery, appreciation of Chinese customs, and study of Ming Dynasty calligraphy and poetry influenced the spread of Chinese culture. His masterpiece, "Jiao Jian Gao," epitomizes Chinese poetry in Five Mountain, encompassing nostalgia for China, yearning for homeland, and critiques of Japanese politics. Zekkai Chuushin's works reflect a deep exchange between Chinese and Japanese Zen literature, illustrating China's profound impact on Japanese Zen during the Muromachi period. This study explores how Japanese Zen monks, especially Zekkai Chuushin, drew inspiration from Chinese poetry. Through analysis of his poems, the authors examine the influence and adaptation of Chinese poetry in Japanese Zen literature. The comparative analysis highlights similarities and differences with native Chinese poets, shedding light on Japan's reception of Chinese culture in the Five Mountain period. Zekkai Chuushin creatively embraced Chinese poetry, leaving a profound mark on Japanese literature, skillfully merging tradition with originality and enriching Japanese literary culture while preserving Chinese poetic heritage, showcasing Japan's connection to Chinese culture through the Han language.