SHOBOGENZO: 1. Bendowa 'On the endeavour of the way'

[Kokuu]

Also, the whole book (Nearman translation, see Jundo's comments above) is available as a PDF:

http://www.urbandharma.org/pdf/Shobogenzo.pdf

Various translations of different chapters at The Zen Site:

http://www.thezensite.com/ZenTeachings/Dogen_Teachings/Shobogenzo_Complete.html

Gassho
Andy

[Genshin]

Hi Heisoku,

I agree with your observations. This is my first trip into Shobogenzo. I've read Bendowa again this morning and each time I read it something else jumps out.

Just to pick up on your last comment regarding "right trust". Trust/faith is mentioned several times throughout Bendowa.

"if you practice with genuine trust, you will attain the way regardless of being sharp or dull." (p.21 Q18)

"The realm of the buddhas is inconceivable. It cannot be reached by intellect, much less can those who have no trust or who lack wisdom know it. Only those who have the great capacity of genuine trust can enter this realm. Those who have no trust are unable to accept it, however much they hear it." (p.8 Q3)

"When genuine trust arises, practice and study with a teacher. If it does not wait a while." (p.8 Q3)

It's interesting, as I was thinking recently that attitude towards practice is very important. Food for thought.

Gassho
Matt

Just a few uniformed observations from reading Bendowa.
Firstly, the way Dogen introduces his approach to the Dharma of the Buddha is very much like the introduction of an academic text, whereby an author sets out his or her theory of practice and the background to their approach. He explains his reasons for the pure practice of zazen and what shikantaza is, and this seems to be aimed at his ideas about what reformations of the practice of Buddhadharma need to be and should be, after his trip to China.
Secondly the QA format reminds me of the Prajnaparamita Sutra and provides a means in which he can address issues and arguments that may have arisen when discussing his reforming approach.
Thirdly, he repeatedly describes zen as the ' samadhi of receiving and using the self', which I have thought of (probably not correctly so) as attaining a natural balance between inner and outer 'being' so there is only 'oneness'. In this he sees zazen as the only means that leads to realisation.
Lastly, Dogen emphasises the fact that Buddhadharma is open to everyone, as 'everyone has the seeds of prajna', that no intellection is necessary. Realisations have occurred without wisdom, scripture, words or speech and all that is needed is right trust in the practice.
Gassho.

[Heisoku]

Hi Matt, I guess this 'trust' that Dogen refers to is both an exhortation to practice and reassurance that just the practice of zazen is all that is needed, except a true teacher. If I remember back that question 'what am I doing?' did pop up quite frequently. Nowadays it has been replaced by an understanding that could be construed as a genuine trust in the practice and the realisation that the mind theatre still has a hold, rather than true realisation of the one bright pearl. And so I keep sitting. Gassho.

[chicanobudista]

Hola Erik!

You don't need to buy it. It's online for free in sites like this:

http://www.zenki.com/index.php?lang=en&page=bendo01

Hope that helps.

Gassho,

Kyonin

Awesome. Recorcholis!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

[Rich]

Hi Matt, I guess this 'trust' that Dogen refers to is both an exhortation to practice and reassurance that just the practice of zazen is all that is needed, except a true teacher. If I remember back that question 'what am I doing?' did pop up quite frequently. Nowadays it has been replaced by an understanding that could be construed as a genuine trust in the practice and the realisation that the mind theatre still has a hold, rather than true realisation of the one bright pearl. And so I keep sitting. Gassho.

delusions are endless we vow to cut thru them all. So practice never ends. I think the trust that dogen refers to is that practice is realization. Thanks for bringing this up and I understand what you are saying, just wanted to add my 2 cents.

[Heisoku]

I like the way you are able cut to the chase Rich. Gassho.

[Amelia]

I've been reading slowly through the Nishijima Roshi translation for a couple of years, so I'll be joining.

[bya]

Hello,

I would like to join too, I will use the Nishijima translation.

Thank you,

[Ed]

I'm in. I was reading WHO IS ARGUING ABOUT THE CAT? So might as well read BENDOW again. One thing about Dogen Zenji is that it all ties in.
I will contribute.

In gassho,

[Nameless]

Hello my friends, I would love to read along and discuss this with you. I have the Nishijima translation. I'll get started reading Bendowa.

Gassho, John

[Joyo]

Hola Erik!

You don't need to buy it. It's online for free in sites like this:

http://www.zenki.com/index.php?lang=en&page=bendo01

Gassho,

Kyonin

so, I found another copy of it online http://www.urbandharma.org/pdf/Shobogenzo.pdf Is one better than the other, or are they the same thing?

[Jundo]

so, I found another copy of it online http://www.urbandharma.org/pdf/Shobogenzo.pdf Is one better than the other, or are they the same thing?

Hi,

That is the Shasta Abbey/Rev. Nearman translation. Please see my comments above in this thread ...

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?11117-SHOBOGENZO-1-Bendowa-On-the-endeavour-of-the-way&p=104665&viewfull=1#post104665

I would turn to other versions first, also available online, or read more than one.

Gassho, J

[Kokuu]

On the second page of Bendowa (p4 of 2010 Tanahashi translation) Dogen admits 'I came back to Japan with the vision of spreading the teaching and saving sentient beings - a heavy burden on my shoulders'. This seems to echo how Shakyamuni Buddha felt after awakening under the Bodhi tree. Legend has it that Shakyamuni considered not passing on what he had discovered but was persuaded to do so by Brahma. To my western mind this seems to be a symbolic retelling of Buddha's thoughts that must occur to each person who achieves awakening - whether to live peacefully and happily alone or teach to ease the sufferings of others. Despite their misgivings and burden of the Bodhisattva vow, both Dogen and Shakyamuni chose the same path of the teacher.

Dogen records further down the page that it is his concern for the students who have no teacher or only access to lesser teachings that prompt him into this role. Further he can see that the number of students he can reach personally is limited so vows to 'record the standard of Zen monasteries that I personally saw in Great Song, as well as the profound principle that has been transmitted by my master.' His aim is 'I wish to leave for students of the way the authentic teaching of the buddha house.'

Surely, all teachers teach for the same reason - to give students authentic teachings and carry on the lineage to future generations? It is for this reason we dedicate the recitation of sutras to the Buddha ancestors. Without each taking the same vow, we would not have the words of Buddha and Dogen to inform our practice millennia after each lived.

Gassho
Andy

[Joyo]

Hi,

That is the Shasta Abbey/Rev. Nearman translation. Please see my comments above in this thread ...

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?11117-SHOBOGENZO-1-Bendowa-On-the-endeavour-of-the-way&p=104665&viewfull=1#post104665

I would turn to other versions first, also available online, or read more than one.

Gassho, J

Oh thanks, Jundo. I read your comments and that is so not what I am looking for!!

Gassho,
Treena

[Ed]

I got both the Nearman and Tanahashi (got a huge library 50 yards from my work station at a major university.) translations. To me they are equally effective. The work is so powerful it leaves me just there, letting all wash over me.
Jundo mentions how reading Dogen zenji is like listening to jazz, can't try to think it through, more like just be there, take it in, or better, let it come to you..