Taisen Deshimaru’s connection with Kodo Sawaki was that of a close, devoted disciple to a principal master. Deshimaru regarded Sawaki as his primary and most influential teacher, practicing under his guidance in Japan and accompanying him, assisting in his activities. This relationship was not casual or distant; it was marked by long-term commitment and a deep assimilation of Sawaki’s way of Zen. Sawaki’s direct and uncompromising style of instruction shaped Deshimaru’s practice and understanding, and Deshimaru, in turn, responded with sustained dedication.

Central to their relationship was the transmission of Sawaki’s particular emphasis on zazen, especially shikantaza, “just sitting.” Deshimaru followed this style closely, taking to heart Sawaki’s insistence on simple, rigorous practice and the integration of Zen into daily life. Sawaki recognized in Deshimaru a capacity to carry this approach forward and authorized him to teach, formally confirming him as a successor in the Sōtō Zen lineage through dharma transmission. This act of transmission sealed their bond not only as teacher and student, but as master and heir within the tradition.

Deshimaru later presented his own teaching as a direct continuation of Kodo Sawaki’s Zen, consistently referring back to his teacher’s “way of zazen.” In doing so, he did not claim an independent or novel path, but rather understood his role as extending Sawaki’s lineage and style into new contexts. The relationship can thus be seen as one in which the student becomes the living vessel of the teacher’s insight, carrying forward the same emphasis on lay practice, simplicity, and the centrality of zazen. Through this enduring fidelity, Deshimaru’s work remained rooted in the spirit and example of Kodo Sawaki.