Based on the translation by Ilsa Fatt and the edition by Reiryu Philippe Coupey.
Taisen Deshimaru.Founder of the Association Zen Internationale, one of the largest influences on Zen in the West. Raised by his grandfather, a former samurai, and educated in Christianity & Western philosophy, he became a successful businessman. He studied Rinzai Zen before finding his master, Kodo Sawaki & the practice of Dogen's Zen. Before his death, Sawaki asked Deshimaru to spread Zen. Deshimaru arrived in Paris in 1967. La Gendronniere, the practice center he founded in France, was established in 1979 & continues to be an important Zen center. He died in 1982, leaving a number of influential disciples.
