9' - Hakuin on Kensho - Four Ways of Knowing

This text is an excerpt from Albert Low's commentary on Zen Master Hakuin's "Four Ways of Knowing of an Awakened Person," exploring the concept of kensho, or enlightenment. Low, a Zen teacher, emphasizes Hakuin's belief that kensho is crucial for Zen practitioners and details Hakuin's own experiences with awakening. The core of the excerpt focuses on Hakuin's four wisdoms—Great Perfect Mirror,  Equality, Differentiation, and Perfection of Action—and how they're achieved through rigorous practice, even after initial enlightenment. Low contrasts Hakuin's Rinzai Zen emphasis on awakening with other approaches, highlighting the importance of continued practice for complete realization. The text includes biographical details about Hakuin and Low and discusses the role of koan study in the process.