In this podcast:
- inka literally means a stamp or seal that authenticates and gives permission to teach in the Zen tradition.
- As with most things that develop over time, it has been given several meanings. Mainly it is used to either authenticate deep realisation or to covey dharma transmission from master to pupil. One who has been given inka may be referred to as Zen master.
- inka as dharma transmission was developed in China to give confidence in the dharma being taught at a particular monastery. It received its authority by being part of a lineage that traced itself back to the Buddha.
- inka was also seen as a fulfillment of the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows. - See Torei/Daibi quote.
- Requiting the debt of gratitude to the buddhas and patriarchs.
