Dōgen, the thirteenth-century Zen master who founded the Japanese Sōtō school of Zen, is renowned as one the world’s most remarkable religious geniuses. His works are both richly poetic and deeply insightful and philosophical, pointing to the endless depths of Zen exploration. And almost precisely because of these facts, Dōgen is often difficult for readers to understand and fully appreciate.
Realizing Genjokoan is a comprehensive introduction to the teachings and approach of this great thinker, taking us on a thorough guided tour of the most important essay—Genjōkōan—in Dōgen’s seminal work, the Shōbōgenzō. Indeed, the Genjōkōan is regarded as the pinnacle of Dōgen’s writings, encompassing and encapsulating the essence of all the rest of his work.
Our tour guide for this journey is Shohaku Okumura, a prominent teacher in his own right, who has dedicated his life to translating and teaching Dōgen.
This volume also includes an introduction to Dōgen’s life from Hee-Jin Kim’s classic, Eihei Dōgen: Mystical Realist, with updated annotations by Okumura.
BOOK INFORMATION- Paperback
- 328 pages, 6.00 x 9.00 inches
- ISBN 9780861716012
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shohaku Okumura is a Soto Zen priest and Dharma successor of Kosho Uchiyama Roshi. He is a graduate of Komazawa University and has practiced in Japan at Antaiji, Zuioji, and the Kyoto Soto Zen Center, and in Massachusetts at the Pioneer Valley Zendo. He is the former director of the Soto Zen Buddhism International Center in San Francisco. His previously published books of translation include Shobogenzo Zuimonki, Dogen Zen, Zen Teachings of Homeless Kodo, and Opening the Hand of Thought. Okumura is also editor of Dogen Zen and Its Relevance for Our Time; and SotoZen. He is the founding teacher of the Sanshin Zen Community, based in Bloomington, Indiana, where he lives with his family.
Other books by Shohaku Okumura:
The Sound that Perceives the World
Dogen’s Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki
Mind Sky
Squabbling Squashes
Deepest Practice, Deepest Wisdom
The Mountains and Waters Sutra
Dōgen’s Extensive Record
The Zen Teaching of Homeless Kodo
Living by Vow
Opening the Hand of Thought
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