Propagation of Zen for the Protection of the Country, The ［興禅護国論］ ( Kōzen-gokoku-ron): A work written in 1198 by Eisai, the founder of the Rinzai school of Zen in Japan. When Eisai attempted to spread the Zen teachings, the priests of the established schools in Nara and of Mount Hiei opposed him. In response, he produced this work in which he asserts the legitimacy of Zen and outlines its basic teaching, arguing also that Zen is conducive to the general welfare and security of the nation. It is regarded as a declaration of the founding of Zen as a Buddhist school in Japan, though it apparently was not written with that specific purpose in mind.