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A shippei (竹箆, 竹篦) is a bamboo staff which curves slightly, approximately 15 inches[1][a] (or half a metre[3]) long, which is used as a "symbol of a Zen master's authority" in Zen Buddhism.[4] In contrast to the keisaku, the shippei was often used as a disciplinary measure for meditating monks. It can often be found at the side of a Zen master in a zendo and is also "one of seven items that make up a Zen monk's equipment."[3] It is fashioned out of two pieces of bamboo that are shaped into the form of a spatula[2] (or short bow[1]), wound with rattan,[1] and lacquered.[2][b]
Sometimes curved in the shape of an S, the shippei may be elaborately decorated with a silk cord or have carvings. It is still "sometimes employed to hit monks".[6]
See also
[edit]Explanatory notes
[edit]- ^ In Japanese measures it is given as 1 shaku 5 sun,[2] or 15 sun, which is approximately 15 inches.
- ^ Although some sources state it is bound with wisteria vine,[4][5] sources in Japanese such as Iwanami dictionary state it is tō (籐, "rattan")[2] and not fuji (藤, "wisteria") although these two characters are easily confounded.
References
[edit]- Citations
- ^ a b c Senzaki (2008), p. 185.
- ^ a b c d Iwanami Kōjien (広辞苑) Japanese dictionary, 4th Edition (1991), DVD version
- ^ a b Koun, 205-206
- ^ a b Baroni, 300
- ^ Hakuin, Ekaku (2010) [1999]. Wild Ivy: The Spiritual Autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin. Norman Waddell (tr.). Shambhala Publications. p. 126, n15. ISBN 978-0834823198.
- ^ Hori, 701-702
- Bibliography
- Baroni, Helen J. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN 0-8239-2240-5. OCLC 42680558.
- Hori, Victor Sōgen (2003). Zen Sand: The Book of Capping Phrases for Kōan Practice. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 0-8248-2284-6.
- Senzaki, Nyogen (2008). The Gateless Gate: The Classic Book of Zen Koans. Wisdom Publications. p. 185. ISBN 978-0861715596.
- Yamada, Koun (2004). The Gateless Gate: The Classic Book of Zen Koans. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0-86171-382-6.
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