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Shobogenzo: Zen Essays by Dogen
A remarkable collection of essays, Shôbôgenzô, "Treasury of the Eye of True Teaching," was composed in the thirteenth century by the Zen master Dôgen, founder of the Sôtô Zen school in Japan. Through its linguistic artistry and its philosophical subtlety, the Shôbôgenzô presents a thorough recasting of Buddhism with a creative ingenuity that has never been matched in the subsequent literature of Japanese Zen. With this translation of thirteen of the ninety-five essays, Thomas Cleary attempts to convey the form as well as the content of Dôgen's writing, thereby preserving the instrumental structure of the original text. Together with pertinent commentary, biography, and notes, these essays make accessible to a wider audience a Zen classic once considered the private reserve of Sôtô monks and Buddhologists. Readers from many fields in the sciences and humanities will find themselves richly rewarded.
136 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1237
About the author
Dōgen
129 books218 followersDōgen Zenji (道元禅師; also Dōgen Kigen 道元希玄, or Eihei Dōgen 永平道元, or Koso Joyo Daishi) was a Zen Buddhist teacher and the founder of the Sōtō Zen school of Buddhism in Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 23, 2015
Dogen is the Heidegger of the Zen tradition. Or the great Eleatic Monist lecturing a young Socrates on Being in Plato's Parmenides. Which is to say this is difficult and enigmatic but worthwhile stuff to read. Especially for the sort of person who desires to clear a room with their excitement for "being-time" metaphysics. But these essays would probably appeal to any intermediate Buddhist enthusiast and Dogen is an excellent avenue to the deeper mysteries of the Zen tradition. At the very least, the cover art resembles a cropped Franz Kline painting and will look nice on a bookshelf so you can't really lose.
Want to read
December 1, 2018Having thus regulated body and mind, take a breath and exhale fully. Sitting fixedly, think of not thinking. How do you think of not thinking? Nonthinking.
That certainly sounded easy...
Dec 1, 18
May 4, 2012
This is a wonderful little book that deserves to be sipped rather than swallowed. Admittedly, this was my first exposure to Dogen but it was enough to inspire me to read more. At times the rigor of dedication this book demands for anyone seeking the Way exceeded my interests (leave everyone I know and strip myself down to a life of poverty and single-minded dedication to studying the Way? No thanks). That being said, there is much in Dogen's view to be contemplated and adapted so that a balanced life of American style Zen study can be at least imagined.
I definitely recommend this book but only to those already familiar with Zen meditation and an established practice.
I definitely recommend this book but only to those already familiar with Zen meditation and an established practice.
January 3, 2015
I've been practicing sitting meditation (zazen) for a few years now, although haphazardly, and am somewhat versed in pop mindfulness thinking. I thought it would be useful to go back to the source of much of these ideas, and took up this book. I was not disappointed. It's a book that is best read in small amounts as many of what Dōgen says demands contemplation, and translation to today's times and ones own life.
Read
May 16, 2024“Someone once asked a Taoist sage: “How does one become a sage?” He answered: “If you want to become a sage, just like the Way of the sages.” Therefore, if students want to attain the Way of the Buddhas and Patriarchs, they must like the Way of the Buddhas and the Patriarchs.”
———
“Monks and laymen have different motivations. A layman who thinks like a monk can free himself from delusion, but a monk who thinks like a layman compounds his error. The two approaches differ. It is not the doing that is difficult, but rather the doing it well that is hard. The practice of leaving the world and gaining the Way attracts many people, but there are few who do it well.”
———
“Monks and laymen have different motivations. A layman who thinks like a monk can free himself from delusion, but a monk who thinks like a layman compounds his error. The two approaches differ. It is not the doing that is difficult, but rather the doing it well that is hard. The practice of leaving the world and gaining the Way attracts many people, but there are few who do it well.”
April 10, 2020
Well, this is truly impossible for me to rate, because it's not the full Shōbōgenzō: it's just snippets of a text (6 fascicles instead of 75) and fragments of a larger body of thought. It's also impossible to rate because, "Often there are inconsistencies. At times the followers are exhorted to follow the conduct of their predecessors in Zen; at times they are cautioned to ignore them. Such inconsistencies develop in part, perhaps, from the different levels from which Dogen talks: at times he is the mentor to virtual beginners, and his approach is the simple one that explains the requisites for study; occasionally, he is the accomplished Zen Master, who has transcended all dualisms, and he speaks at the level of that accomplishment. . . . the standpoint from which the Master speaks is frequently difficult to ascertain."
Yeah, you're not kidding. As one who has not "transcended all dualisms" (I realize it's not so much a practice of either/or so much as it is a practice of both/and, but that's quite difficult to actually realize in daily life), I find the inconsistencies rather maddening at times. But, I've long held that Zen be taken with a spoonful of salt; from my current vantage point, it appears about 50% profoundest wisdom and 50% execrable bullshit. Absolutely nothing is clear in Zen, but I think that's why my mind seeks it out. It is, if nothing else, intensely challenging and provokes a great deal of concentrated Self-study that has been nothing but beneficial to me. So, I guess I'm willing to put up with the bullshit, most of the time.
The major themes of this work include Dogen's repeated insistence upon these topics: the importance of monastic life and the relinquishing of one's self, possessions, and family, the mutual practice of monk-hood, the single-minded fixation on the Buddha-dharma, goal-less zazen, and voluntary poverty. The talks and comments are concise if not clear, and inspiring if not inspired.
Yeah, you're not kidding. As one who has not "transcended all dualisms" (I realize it's not so much a practice of either/or so much as it is a practice of both/and, but that's quite difficult to actually realize in daily life), I find the inconsistencies rather maddening at times. But, I've long held that Zen be taken with a spoonful of salt; from my current vantage point, it appears about 50% profoundest wisdom and 50% execrable bullshit. Absolutely nothing is clear in Zen, but I think that's why my mind seeks it out. It is, if nothing else, intensely challenging and provokes a great deal of concentrated Self-study that has been nothing but beneficial to me. So, I guess I'm willing to put up with the bullshit, most of the time.
The major themes of this work include Dogen's repeated insistence upon these topics: the importance of monastic life and the relinquishing of one's self, possessions, and family, the mutual practice of monk-hood, the single-minded fixation on the Buddha-dharma, goal-less zazen, and voluntary poverty. The talks and comments are concise if not clear, and inspiring if not inspired.
May 1, 2019
Excellent entry to Dogen's teaching. This is foundational material for Zen, but, as Dogen says, don't get hung up on thinking that reading Zen is practicing Zen. Find a sangha, start sitting, listen - repeat.
This is the third time I've read through this little book, the first time was in the '70s. Every time I read through it I am reminded - go sit.
This is the third time I've read through this little book, the first time was in the '70s. Every time I read through it I am reminded - go sit.
Read
August 9, 2011Dogen's circuitous logic made portions of this book nearly inscrutable to this Western mind. But reading the essays, I could almost begin to feel my concrete, linear mind begin to free up a little - something of a cumulative effect of the writings. The editor's introductory remarks did help somewhat (without them, I would have been even more lost than I was). And I found the end notes also to be illuminating. If you've read other writings by Soto teachers, but haven't read anything from Dogen - this is the well from which all other Soto teachers drink.
December 1, 2020
Certainly a book that should be read slowly, with many breaks for meditation or reflection, “A Primer for Soto Zen” proved to be a worthwhile introspection guide during a personal months-long hiking journey. As with most any religious or philosophical book, there are insights to take away and apply to one’s life and others that, perhaps, are best left to the more dogmatic. For instance, the quote below…
My one takeaway quote:
“Nothing can be gained by extensive study and wide reading. Give them up immediately.”
-Dōgen
My one takeaway quote:
“Nothing can be gained by extensive study and wide reading. Give them up immediately.”
-Dōgen
April 20, 2009
Not nearly as accessible as Suzuki or Zen Flesh, Zen Bones but the material is excellent and well translated. This is much more of an intermediate Zen studies book.
July 15, 2013
More koans to help focus the mind
June 26, 2021
Very few people will understand all content of this gem that was created from the Mind (capital) of a highly enlightened being. Those who say they do, do not. No enlightened person would say such a thing. And those who do, will have forgotten everything that's written here or have no need for it.
The intermezzo's by the translating author thence, serve only as a hint, a bridge to contemporary times.
Nonetheless, even when you grasp only 20% of it, it will invite you to return for guidance along the Path.
The intermezzo's by the translating author thence, serve only as a hint, a bridge to contemporary times.
Nonetheless, even when you grasp only 20% of it, it will invite you to return for guidance along the Path.
September 2, 2021
RIP Thomas Cleary. Elusive, idiosyncratic, and prolific. Is there no autobiography, alas? Has he left us no practice journal? What a tragic loss for us bewildered seekers left alone on the slopes of Mount Analogue. I only saw him in person once around 1993 at Berkeley public library, I was amazed how young he appeared given his oeuvre even at that time, and got to ask him a question about this book, the question I forget, but his reply I remember, and was something like: "A monk should sip fragrant oils for 20 years before setting himself alight." Gassho.
March 16, 2020
A simple, no-frills translation of lectures by Dogen, as remembered by his students. I might have preferred a more annotated version, particularly focusing more on the differences between the different versions of the text, but for a general audience, this is a good introduction to the founder of Soto Zen.
January 31, 2022
Whilst I was reading Shobogenzo, I was reminded of what I have been told regarding Zen. It was like; Zen is a way to reach Nirvana, it tells you to meditate and have a master who will guide you along Way with koan. More than this you will lose meaning of Way. That has been over ten years ago. And it was a good reminder that I have a long way to go and learn the meaning of lotus in Buddha’s hand.
March 20, 2024
A beautiful, well organized, and clear translation of Zen's foundational figure.
May 17, 2009
Where to start? Admittedly, 4 stars doesn't really do this particular book justice. I admit it. It's probably a 4.5. Nothing *these days* written by anything other than Robert M. Pirsig gets a 5 from me. Just doesn't fit the criteria for "amazing" from me. Can I give it semi-amazing / eye opening / "the truth"? Does "the truth" automatically get 5 stars?
Hrm, talk about motivation. So immediately upon hearing this, I decide to get up off of my ass and do something with my life. I sit around and think for a few minutes and then decide what I want and a course of action. He says, "determine not to pass your days in vain."
"In this short existence, do not spend your time in idleness," says he.
Then I turn a page in this book and Dōgen, in response to one of his students, said:
... maybe Dōgen was a woman?
Awesome... I can look forward to the morning! After all, I'll be reborn, right?
"You are only alive right now."
Hot damn. 4.5 stars.
According to an old Master: "If you develop a close relationship with a good man, it is like walking in the fog or dew. Although you do not actually wet your garment, it gradually becomes damp." What he is saying is that if you are close to a good person, you unconsciously become good yourself.
Hrm, talk about motivation. So immediately upon hearing this, I decide to get up off of my ass and do something with my life. I sit around and think for a few minutes and then decide what I want and a course of action. He says, "determine not to pass your days in vain."
"In this short existence, do not spend your time in idleness," says he.
Then I turn a page in this book and Dōgen, in response to one of his students, said:
It is not obtained by seeking, nor does not fail to obtain it even if one does not seek it. Just leave it to fate and do not let it trouble you.
... maybe Dōgen was a woman?
"... We are born in the morning and die in the evening; the man we saw yesterday is no longer with us today."
Awesome... I can look forward to the morning! After all, I'll be reborn, right?
"You are only alive right now."
Hot damn. 4.5 stars.
May 21, 2019
Revisión en [LCL] "La crítica literaria":
Link al video ====> https://youtu.be/rTZISkuHxV8
---
Índice:
1-Intro
2-Presentación del libro
3-Contenido
4-Cierre del programa
-
Créditos generales:
[La biografía de Dogen dispuesta en este video fue inspirada en la introducción de Dokusho Villalba para la versión en español publicada por la editorial Miraguano en el año 1988]
Córtina musical:
Road Trip de Tigran Hamasyan
Créditos del dibujo del mapa de japón para:
Emma LLonen
Música de fondo:
"Meditation Music" from free audio library
"A touch of zen" from purple-planet.com
+++
Nuestras redes sociales:
Grupo de estudio en facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/2285191154881319
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Link al video ====> https://youtu.be/rTZISkuHxV8
---
Índice:
1-Intro
2-Presentación del libro
3-Contenido
4-Cierre del programa
-
Créditos generales:
[La biografía de Dogen dispuesta en este video fue inspirada en la introducción de Dokusho Villalba para la versión en español publicada por la editorial Miraguano en el año 1988]
Córtina musical:
Road Trip de Tigran Hamasyan
Créditos del dibujo del mapa de japón para:
Emma LLonen
Música de fondo:
"Meditation Music" from free audio library
"A touch of zen" from purple-planet.com
+++
Nuestras redes sociales:
Grupo de estudio en facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/2285191154881319
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
September 27, 2007
"the flowers have never been born"
a collection of wonderful gathering of zen essays by Dogen accompanied by interpretations and comments to keep grasp on your orientation as zen texts can be so convoluted in their simplicity.
a collection of wonderful gathering of zen essays by Dogen accompanied by interpretations and comments to keep grasp on your orientation as zen texts can be so convoluted in their simplicity.
July 22, 2020
Reading Dogen: an exercise the master designed to put the reader into a state of no-mind. Read while noting your breath, in and out, in and out. Don't try to take anything away. Don't try to put your own thoughts into it. Just swim in the stream.
January 23, 2011
I haven't read any other translations, but I would say that this translation does pretty well. The Shobogenzo should definitely be read by anyone interested in Buddhism. There's a lot of great insights for laypersons and monks both.
July 6, 2015
Not exactly as advertised; more of a collection of statements & anecdotes relating to the conduct & philosophy of Japanese monks for whom Dōgen was shaping a new way of looking at Buddhist devotion. Not without its valuable insights but you can do better for a "primer on Soto Zen."
Read
March 30, 2011understanding is a lifetime endeavor
like
awakening and reawakening
like
awakening and reawakening
February 26, 2013
Its perfection.
Shelved as 'reference-or-ongoing'
September 20, 2016Borrowed from Carleton Library.
To read:
Great Transcendent Wisdom [23-28]
Such [47-56]
Being Time [102-110]
Completed:
The Scripture of Mountains and Waters [87-101]
To read:
Great Transcendent Wisdom [23-28]
Such [47-56]
Being Time [102-110]
Completed:
The Scripture of Mountains and Waters [87-101]
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews