Who Is Hakuin Ekaku Blind Men Crossing The Bridge

Blind Men Crossing the Bridge, is a Zen inspired painting created by Hakuin Ekaku. It can be seen in the painting that three male figures set in motion. Figures are carefully inked on the paper. In my belief it is one man’s progression or journey. The figures are on top of a tree bridge that may symbolize a way to reach a goal or how to possibly reach enlightenment. Walking sticks are held in the hands of each figures. The first in the far right seems to be using it to begin his journey along the path he has chosen. The character is held with confidence as his body is bent in a confident pose with his feet set apart for a strong balance. As the man continues down his path to enrichment it would appear that he may have found trouble along
Possibly meaning that the man now has not left his teachings go but will rely on his own way to find his enlightenment. With this in the mind his walking stick becomes a balance instead of the crutch that he relied on. Crawling on his knees with his hand out stretched the figure gives off the feeling of determination to reach the end of his journey. Mountains can be seen in the background of the man’s journey to reach enlightenment. Inked with dark heavy brushstrokes in the beginning to probably show the burdens the man left behind him. The mountains appear to be painted lighter as the man continues on. This could mean that it was hard for the man to cast off what it took to reach his goal of
The eyes are drawn to his big belly where there dark little strokes were made for hair. This may also be a way to say that nothing of the body is to be ignored it’s a part of the enlightened vessel. Also under the belly is the heavy darkened ink where he sits as to say he has been laying down for some time. I believe this may symbolize that whenever one should rest it must be to a full extent. Hotei’s feet are shown bare and elevated in his meditation state. What maybe learned in this painting I believe is the way of life should always be one of great happiness and joy. That a life without knowing how to treasure life’s smallest moments and find that they are more a gift to be