Dear Uchiyama Roshi Fans,
"Opening the Hand" (LINK) and "How to Cook Your Life" (LINK) remain perhaps the two best introductions around to Soto Zen Practice, Dogen and Shikantaza (be sure to read those first ... and soon! ... if you never have) ...
Now, there has recently been published a new set of translations of Talks by Uchiyama Roshi on three portions of Master Dogen's Shobogenzo:
Deepest Practice, Deepest Wisdom: Three Fascicles from Shobogenzo with Commentary
There is Wisdom on every page. The style, approach and perspectives on Soto Practice are, of course, very much in keeping with his other beloved books available in English such as "Opening the Hand of Thought" and "How to Cook Your Life" (a commentary on Tenzo Kyokun), as well as "Wholehearted Way."
I would say that, for folks new to Soto Zen, "Opening the Hand" and "How to Cook Your Life" (not to be confused with the film of the same name) remain perhaps the two best introductions around, the first books to read (and worthwhile for all of us to return to time and again). However, for those who have developed an appreciation for Shobogenzo and Uchiyama's way, this book is not to be missed. As usual, it is relatively easy to read, has Uchiyama's very down to earth style, combined with his ability to explain Zen doctrines and practices clearly and plainly. Unlike many Zen teachers, Uchiyama knows how to express and celebrate the madness and mystery of Zen practice, but in ways that makes sense to the rational side of us too. Not to be missed by Soto folks.
Gassho, J
SatTodayLAH
"Opening the Hand" (LINK) and "How to Cook Your Life" (LINK) remain perhaps the two best introductions around to Soto Zen Practice, Dogen and Shikantaza (be sure to read those first ... and soon! ... if you never have) ...
Now, there has recently been published a new set of translations of Talks by Uchiyama Roshi on three portions of Master Dogen's Shobogenzo:
Deepest Practice, Deepest Wisdom: Three Fascicles from Shobogenzo with Commentary
Famously insightful and famously complex, Eihei Dogen’s writings have been studied and puzzled over for hundreds of years. In Deepest Practice, Deepest Wisdom, Kosho Uchiyama, beloved twentieth-century Zen teacher addresses himself head-on to unpacking Dogen’s wisdom from three fascicles (or chapters) of his monumental Shobogenzo for a modern audience.
The fascicles presented here from Shobogenzo, or Treasury of the True Dharma Eye include “Shoaku Makusa” or “Refraining from Evil,” “Maka Hannya Haramitsu” or “Practicing Deepest Wisdom,” and “Uji” or “Living Time.” Tom Wright and Shohaku Okumura lovingly translate Dogen’s penetrating words and Uchiyama’s thoughtful commentary on each piece. At turns poetic and funny, always insightful, this is Zen wisdom for the ages.
The fascicles presented here from Shobogenzo, or Treasury of the True Dharma Eye include “Shoaku Makusa” or “Refraining from Evil,” “Maka Hannya Haramitsu” or “Practicing Deepest Wisdom,” and “Uji” or “Living Time.” Tom Wright and Shohaku Okumura lovingly translate Dogen’s penetrating words and Uchiyama’s thoughtful commentary on each piece. At turns poetic and funny, always insightful, this is Zen wisdom for the ages.
There is Wisdom on every page. The style, approach and perspectives on Soto Practice are, of course, very much in keeping with his other beloved books available in English such as "Opening the Hand of Thought" and "How to Cook Your Life" (a commentary on Tenzo Kyokun), as well as "Wholehearted Way."
I would say that, for folks new to Soto Zen, "Opening the Hand" and "How to Cook Your Life" (not to be confused with the film of the same name) remain perhaps the two best introductions around, the first books to read (and worthwhile for all of us to return to time and again). However, for those who have developed an appreciation for Shobogenzo and Uchiyama's way, this book is not to be missed. As usual, it is relatively easy to read, has Uchiyama's very down to earth style, combined with his ability to explain Zen doctrines and practices clearly and plainly. Unlike many Zen teachers, Uchiyama knows how to express and celebrate the madness and mystery of Zen practice, but in ways that makes sense to the rational side of us too. Not to be missed by Soto folks.
Gassho, J
SatTodayLAH
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