Zen in the Temple of Oto Kan

Over the course of six long years at zenkoan, eku would finally find what he was looking for. Oto kan instruction emphasizes the use of koon, which are complex metaphorical stories intended to spark realization in disciples. Students who messed up, and you mess up a lot, were often given a swift whack with a stick to try and focus their minds. The conditions of the temple were quite grueling. Disciples were expected to work all day and night to maintain the place,. Whenever they were not actively studying, or to take up a craft to help support it.