heart of Dōgen's Shōbōgenzō, The
Book Description
This carefully curated collection presents annotated translations of the most essential essays from Shōbōgenzō, the profound masterwork of Dōgen Kigen, who established Sōtō Zen in Japan. Rather than attempting to cover the entire vast text, this focused volume concentrates on those writings that scholars and practitioners have long recognized as containing the very heart of Dōgen's spiritual insights.
The translations offered here represent refined versions of earlier work from the 1970s, now enhanced to provide clearer access to Dōgen's complex religious philosophy and his fundamental teachings on Zen practice. Readers will encounter the thoughts of a master whose remarkable intellectual capacity merged seamlessly with deep spiritual realization, creating a unique voice in religious literature.
Dōgen's exceptional ability to express the inexpressible aspects of Zen experience sets his work apart within the extensive body of Zen writings accumulated over centuries. His distinctive approach to articulating the deepest principles of Buddhist doctrine and meditation practice has earned Shōbōgenzō recognition as a singular contribution to world spiritual literature.
For those seeking to understand the foundations of Sōtō Zen or explore the intersection of rigorous philosophical inquiry with contemplative practice, this accessible presentation of Dōgen's core teachings offers an invaluable gateway into one of Buddhism's most influential texts.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~3 hours)
🕉️ Tradition: Buddhism
📄 Length: 118 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Early works to 1800
- ✓ Explore Sōtōshū
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Doctrines
