Another book

[Ed]

Uchiyama Roshi

I'd like to add that if someone were to approach me and ask what books would be most important to start them on Dogen's way, I'd say this new book by Tanahashi/Levitt, Opening The Hand of Thought, and Realizing Genjokoan by Okumura.

Amen.
Both titles above are solid practice material. I would add, as I have said before here, COMMENTARY ON GENJOKOAN edited by several teachers including Okamura Roshi. The last commentary is Uchiyama Roshi's and it is a master's grand piece (IMHO): what patience and compassion he shows for posterity in sharing these teachings so clearly. He does it as well in OPENING THE HAND OF THOUGHT.

REALISING is already a classic rounded up nicely by LIVING BY VOW. Okamura's nex book is on the Precepts and it shows this teacher's commitment to leaving a solid record of his experience, knowledge and passion for Dogen Zenji and Zen Buddhism and his dedication to teaching in the West.

What these teacher's have in common is a regard for zazen as the pivot point of Dogen's practice, with studies and ceremony important but zazen, it seems to me, central. Okamura was, as some may already know, Uchiyama Roshi's deciple.

In gassho.

[Risho]

Thanks Taigu! Gonna pick this one up today.

Gassho,

Risho

[acss1]

I'd like to add that if someone were to approach me and ask what books would be most important to start them on Dogen's way, I'd say this new book by Tanahashi/Levitt, Opening The Hand of Thought, and Realizing Genjokoan by Okumura.

[acss1]

This book is extraordinary. Best intro to Dogen ever.

[chicanobudista]

no, it is not. It is a selection of short yet inspiring quotes from all the works of Dogen organized by themes such as : practice, wisdom, robe, time, space etc.

gassho

T.

Gracias, Taigu....peace..Erik

[Myozan Kodo]

Thanks Taigu. A very useful book; well organised and edited. Let's the reader jump right in.
Gassho
Myozan

[Taigu]

no, it is not. It is a selection of short yet inspiring quotes from all the works of Dogen organized by themes such as : practice, wisdom, robe, time, space etc.

gassho

T.

[chicanobudista]

Is this book the same in content as his Moon in a Dewdrop?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

[Ed]

The chapter titled THE ROBE is such a heartfelt reading: Dogen, in China sees for the first time ever the monks reciting the verse of the okesa before puting it on. Surprised at its simplicity, he cries at the beauty of the moment, such a short time, to put the kesa or rakus on.
Dogen is moved to tears of joy, and also regret at the same time, that no one had told him before of this wonderful, living tradition bringing to the moment the entire transmission of realization from Shakyamuni on to him.
Tanahashi's translation is wonderfully alive. short, pithy and powerful.
gassho.

[Kaishin]

Thank you for the tip!
Gassho, Kaishin

[Jishin]

Wonderful book! Perfect for a dummy like me. :-)

Gassho, John

[Seisou]

Thank you Taigu. A more easily digestible look at Dogen for this constipated brain.
Gassho

[Ed]

BOWING FORMALLY

A snowy heron
on the snow field
where winter grass is unseen
hides itself
in its own figure

...from THE ESSENTIAL DOGEN...

Thank you Taigu. I also very much recommend the poetry of Peter Levitt. I recently finished Within Within and was blown away.

[Joe]

Thank you Taigu you had me at easy introduction to Dogen

gassho,
Joe