Meeting the Shōbōgenzō

[Shonin Risa Bear]

I have been experiencing Shobogenzo as "To say that this thing exists is a mistake, and to say that it does not exist is a mistake, yet to do it, trusting the Buddhas and ancestors, is not a mistake;" I find it accessible that way. OTOH, I found the Eihei Koroku steeper going, and my teacher said, "wait on that for now, and maybe stick to the Shobogenzo." Beginner's mind indeed.

gassho
shonin sat today and some lah

[Jakuden]

I have been experiencing Shobogenzo as "To say that this thing exists is a mistake, and to say that it does not exist is a mistake, yet to do it, trusting the Buddhas and ancestors, is not a mistake;" I find it accessible that way. OTOH, I found the Eihei Koroku steeper going, and my teacher said, "wait on that for now, and maybe stick to the Shobogenzo." Beginner's mind indeed.

gassho
shonin sat today and some lah

[Shokai]

So, no, it is not simply a matter that the student can hear whatever they wish and it is all equally true. One must understand much about very basic and widely accepted (in the Zen world) Buddhist teachings that Dogen was never, ever rejecting.

Jundo, very good point. Thanks for this teaching and for the Book. It has certainly keep me occupied for a while. i think I'm on the third reading.

gassho, Shokai
stlah