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Dōgen's Pure Standards for the Zen Community: A Translation of Eihei Shingi (Buddhist Studies
Presents a complete, annotated translation of Dogen's writing on Zen monasticism and the spirit of community practice. Dogen (1200-1253) is Japan's greatest Zen master.
This is a complete translation of Eihei Shingi, the major writing by the Japanese Zen master Eihei Dogen (1200-1253) on monastic practice and the role of community life in Buddhism. Dogen was the founder of the Soto branch of Japanese Zen, but his teaching was not limited by any particular school of Buddhism. His writings are generally regarded today as a great summit of Japanese Buddhist philosophy, meditation practice, psychology, and poetic insight into the nature of reality.
Eihei Shingi contains Dogen's principal guidelines and instructions for everyday life and rituals in the monastic training center he established. Included are a collection of dramatic teaching stories, or koans, on the attitude and responsibilities for practitioners in the community, the only collection of traditional koans with this practical focus.
In addition to the translation, the book includes detailed annotation, a substantial introduction, glossaries of Japanese technical terms and persons mentioned, and lineage charts, all providing relevant background in historical and religious context. "This book represents the best translation so far of a famous collection of essays that provide a great deal of concrete information on the practice of Zen monasticism." -- Carl Bielefeldt, Stanford University
This is a complete translation of Eihei Shingi, the major writing by the Japanese Zen master Eihei Dogen (1200-1253) on monastic practice and the role of community life in Buddhism. Dogen was the founder of the Soto branch of Japanese Zen, but his teaching was not limited by any particular school of Buddhism. His writings are generally regarded today as a great summit of Japanese Buddhist philosophy, meditation practice, psychology, and poetic insight into the nature of reality.
Eihei Shingi contains Dogen's principal guidelines and instructions for everyday life and rituals in the monastic training center he established. Included are a collection of dramatic teaching stories, or koans, on the attitude and responsibilities for practitioners in the community, the only collection of traditional koans with this practical focus.
In addition to the translation, the book includes detailed annotation, a substantial introduction, glossaries of Japanese technical terms and persons mentioned, and lineage charts, all providing relevant background in historical and religious context. "This book represents the best translation so far of a famous collection of essays that provide a great deal of concrete information on the practice of Zen monasticism." -- Carl Bielefeldt, Stanford University
294 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 14, 2020
This book first comes off as esoteric and dry. It isn't a showcase for Dogen's poetry. What it does offer is insights into how structure in daily living can support higher pursuits.
Dogen's Pure Standards are presented in six chapters: Instructions for the Cook (Tenzo Kyokun), Model for Engaging the Way (Bendoho), Dharma for Taking Food (Fushukuhanpo), Regulations for the Study Hall (Shuryo Shingi), Dharma when Meeting Senior Instructors of Five Summer Practice Periods (Taitaiko Gogehariho), and Pure Standards for the Temple Administrators (Chiji Shingi).
Highly recommended for a zen student who seeks to deepen their practice.
Dogen's Pure Standards are presented in six chapters: Instructions for the Cook (Tenzo Kyokun), Model for Engaging the Way (Bendoho), Dharma for Taking Food (Fushukuhanpo), Regulations for the Study Hall (Shuryo Shingi), Dharma when Meeting Senior Instructors of Five Summer Practice Periods (Taitaiko Gogehariho), and Pure Standards for the Temple Administrators (Chiji Shingi).
Highly recommended for a zen student who seeks to deepen their practice.
November 10, 2023
The book on Zen monasticism.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews