Hakuin Ekaku, also known as Hakuin Zenji, was born in the small village of Hara, in the province of Suruga, Japan in 1686. His parents were poor farmers, and Hakuin was their ninth and youngest child. He was given the name Iwajirō at birth.

Hara was a remote and isolated village, and Hakuin's family was not well-educated or wealthy. However, Hakuin showed an early interest in Buddhism and was fortunate to have a neighbor who was a monk and taught him the basics of the Buddhist teachings.

At the age of fifteen, Hakuin left his home to study at a nearby temple, where he received formal training in Buddhism. He studied the teachings of the Tendai and Pure Land schools, but he was not satisfied with the answers he found there. He continued to search for a deeper understanding of the Buddhist teachings.

At the age of twenty, Hakuin moved to the city of Hara, where he became a student of the Rinzai Zen master Shoju Rojin. Under Shoju's guidance, Hakuin underwent intense training and meditation, and he eventually became a monk in the Rinzai tradition.

Hakuin's dedication to his practice and his deep understanding of the teachings of Zen led him to become a highly respected and influential figure in the Rinzai school. He was known for his strict discipline, his sharp wit, and his ability to guide his students towards enlightenment.

Throughout his life, Hakuin traveled extensively, teaching and spreading the teachings of Zen to people from all walks of life. He also wrote numerous texts and poems that are still studied and revered by Zen practitioners today.

Hakuin's legacy as a reviver of Rinzai Zen is still felt today, and his teachings continue to inspire and guide people towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. He passed away in 1769 at the age of 83, but his teachings and influence continue to live on through his students and followers.