The eight Chinese characters brushed in a striking cursive script here convey a fundamental Zen message that awakening can be achieved by transcending all aspects of the material, transitory world. They were written by Musō Soseki, one of the most influential monks in the early history of Japanese Zen. Unlike many of his predecessors, Musō did not travel to China, but he studied under the émigré monk Yishan Yining (1247–1317) and a number of leading Japanese monks who themselves had been to the mainland or were disciples of Chinese masters. He spent his early career in Kamakura before accepting an invitation in 1333 from the emperor to move to Kyoto, where he spent the rest of his life. His many prominent disciples included Zekkai Chūshin.