ABSTRACT
EISAI (1141-1215): (pronounced yo-saw-ee) Generally regarded as the first to introduce Zen into Japan (in 1191), Eisai studied in China, as did Dōgen. Eisai is connected with the Rinzai school of Zen, which advocates sudden enlightenment (as contrasted with the Sōtō school of Zen, which advocates gradual enlightenment). Tea was also introduced into Japan by Eisai. He brought the tea seeds from China, cultivated them, prepared them, and even wrote a book on tea, believing it to be the cure for a variety of diseases.
