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Living by Vow: A Practical Introduction to Eight Essential Zen Chants and Texts
This immensely useful book explores Zen's rich tradition of chanted liturgy and the powerful ways that such chants support meditation, expressing and helping us truly uphold our heartfelt vows to live a life of freedom and compassion. Exploring eight of Zen's most essential and universal liturgical texts, Living by Vow is a handbook to walking the Zen path, and Shohaku Okumura guides us like an old friend, speaking clearly and directly of the personal meaning and implications of these chants, generously using his experiences to illustrate their practical significance. A scholar of Buddhist literature, he masterfully uncovers the subtle, intricate web of culture and history that permeate these great texts. Esoteric or challenging terms take on vivid, personal meaning, and old familiar phrases gain new poetic resonance.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 21, 2020
Shohaku Okumura has written a valuable Zen text, as his subtitle puts it: "A Practical Introduction To Eight Essential Zen Chants and Texts." Okumura is a Soto Zen priest and the former director of the Soto Zen Buddhism International Center in San Francisco. He is the Dharma successor of Kosho Uchiyama.
Based upon lectures he offered on some of the verses and sutras essential to Zen Buddhist practice, you can learn more about Zen here than in half a dozen other books filled with the obfuscation so prevalent in Zen literature. And all through his explication of key chants tied to Zen practice such as "The Four Bodhisattva Vows," "The Verse of Repentance," "The Verse of the Three Refuges," "The Robe Chant," "The Meal Chants," "The Heart Sutra" and the balancing "Merging of Difference and Unity" and finally, "The Verse for Opening the Sutra."
Living By Vow is a good description of Zen practice as the importance of vow and what my teacher, Samu Sunim, often referred to as "vow power" cannot be overstated. When we put our voice out into the world, we are expressing a particular relationship to it, underscoring how we intend to live our life. Vows are related to the idea of "vocation" which has its root in the Latin vocare meaning "to call." When we make a vow, we are both answering a call and calling out into the world. Vocation is practice not as some rehearsal, but as what we are. As I tell my students, one hopes the doctor who "practices" medicine is not practicing on you but is expressing their dedication.
One of the more refreshing qualities about this book is the non-dogmatic and ultimately non-sectarian vision of Okumura. He offers the translations used in his particular lineage, but fleshes out his explanation by looking to other translations, showing the importance of a more expansive perspective. Also, Okumura's tone is casual and personal; he'll share from his own experience, sometimes saying how some text or another was confusing to him when he first was introduced to it, and how his understanding of some texts have changed over time. This is authentic of a living practice of intimacy.
As a Zen Naturalist, I was especially surprised -- and pleasantly so -- by the many times Okumura would, almost humorously, pull the rug out from the mystical and hagiographic elements of Buddhism. For instance, in talking about the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta he describes the passage where the Buddha is said to tell Ananda about the four sights Buddhist pilgrims should visit, saying "Here the Tathāgata was born... etc."After sharing this whole verse with apparent solemnity, Okumura comments: "It is difficult for me to imagine that the Buddha called himself Tathāgata, encouraged people to worship his relics, and promised that if they made pilgrimage they would be born in heaven. But it seems certain that such a belief and practice was there when the Nikāyas were written down using the Pāli language several hundred years after the Buddha's death. There are many places similar to this "bringing down to Earth" including when themes of spirits arise in Buddhist teachings. I appreciated this sentiment coming from a Japanese teacher and practitioner: "Shintō is an animistic folk religion that worships nature, yet nature has been nearly eliminated from modern society. This makes me sad. I don't worship Shintō's demons and gods, and I don't even believe in them as beings. But I think that as symbols of nature -- symbols of forces that can become very fearsome or harmful -- these spirits can be a kind of blessing." I can accept such symbolism as poetic and powerful as well. Where I might part company with Okumura is when he assumes that the only way we can feel an intimacy with nature is through such spirits. As a Zen Naturalist, intimacy with nature comes from the scientific understanding that we are -- as star dust -- a way the cosmos becomes self-aware! That to me is the source of a religious awe free from all supernaturalism.
More surprising for me -- and something that strengthened my trust in Okumura's teaching -- is when, in discussing "The Heart Sutra," he writes: Many people believe in transmigration from one lifetime to another. I don't believe in this, but I know we transmigrate within this life." It is rare to read such transparency in Zen texts!
Finally, given how Zen has often been presented as "beyond good and evil" and "amoral" (no small thanks to D.T. Suzuki) the importance of sīla or ethical action that Okumura discusses is also refreshing and in this paragraph he offers a critical rebuke to the way meditation has been compartmentalized, decontextualized and mis-used in the neo-liberal ideology that has permeated so much of contemporary Yoga and Buddhist practice (I'm looking at you, Mindfulness Movement):
"If we don't understand the significance or meaning of meditation, our practice of zazen becomes no more than an escape from a noisy society. It becomes a meaningless method to simply calm our minds and reduce our stress. If our life is harmful to others and we practice meditation to relax and gain more energy for self-centered activities, our practice has nothing to do with Buddhist teachings."
Based upon lectures he offered on some of the verses and sutras essential to Zen Buddhist practice, you can learn more about Zen here than in half a dozen other books filled with the obfuscation so prevalent in Zen literature. And all through his explication of key chants tied to Zen practice such as "The Four Bodhisattva Vows," "The Verse of Repentance," "The Verse of the Three Refuges," "The Robe Chant," "The Meal Chants," "The Heart Sutra" and the balancing "Merging of Difference and Unity" and finally, "The Verse for Opening the Sutra."
Living By Vow is a good description of Zen practice as the importance of vow and what my teacher, Samu Sunim, often referred to as "vow power" cannot be overstated. When we put our voice out into the world, we are expressing a particular relationship to it, underscoring how we intend to live our life. Vows are related to the idea of "vocation" which has its root in the Latin vocare meaning "to call." When we make a vow, we are both answering a call and calling out into the world. Vocation is practice not as some rehearsal, but as what we are. As I tell my students, one hopes the doctor who "practices" medicine is not practicing on you but is expressing their dedication.
One of the more refreshing qualities about this book is the non-dogmatic and ultimately non-sectarian vision of Okumura. He offers the translations used in his particular lineage, but fleshes out his explanation by looking to other translations, showing the importance of a more expansive perspective. Also, Okumura's tone is casual and personal; he'll share from his own experience, sometimes saying how some text or another was confusing to him when he first was introduced to it, and how his understanding of some texts have changed over time. This is authentic of a living practice of intimacy.
As a Zen Naturalist, I was especially surprised -- and pleasantly so -- by the many times Okumura would, almost humorously, pull the rug out from the mystical and hagiographic elements of Buddhism. For instance, in talking about the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta he describes the passage where the Buddha is said to tell Ananda about the four sights Buddhist pilgrims should visit, saying "Here the Tathāgata was born... etc."After sharing this whole verse with apparent solemnity, Okumura comments: "It is difficult for me to imagine that the Buddha called himself Tathāgata, encouraged people to worship his relics, and promised that if they made pilgrimage they would be born in heaven. But it seems certain that such a belief and practice was there when the Nikāyas were written down using the Pāli language several hundred years after the Buddha's death. There are many places similar to this "bringing down to Earth" including when themes of spirits arise in Buddhist teachings. I appreciated this sentiment coming from a Japanese teacher and practitioner: "Shintō is an animistic folk religion that worships nature, yet nature has been nearly eliminated from modern society. This makes me sad. I don't worship Shintō's demons and gods, and I don't even believe in them as beings. But I think that as symbols of nature -- symbols of forces that can become very fearsome or harmful -- these spirits can be a kind of blessing." I can accept such symbolism as poetic and powerful as well. Where I might part company with Okumura is when he assumes that the only way we can feel an intimacy with nature is through such spirits. As a Zen Naturalist, intimacy with nature comes from the scientific understanding that we are -- as star dust -- a way the cosmos becomes self-aware! That to me is the source of a religious awe free from all supernaturalism.
More surprising for me -- and something that strengthened my trust in Okumura's teaching -- is when, in discussing "The Heart Sutra," he writes: Many people believe in transmigration from one lifetime to another. I don't believe in this, but I know we transmigrate within this life." It is rare to read such transparency in Zen texts!
Finally, given how Zen has often been presented as "beyond good and evil" and "amoral" (no small thanks to D.T. Suzuki) the importance of sīla or ethical action that Okumura discusses is also refreshing and in this paragraph he offers a critical rebuke to the way meditation has been compartmentalized, decontextualized and mis-used in the neo-liberal ideology that has permeated so much of contemporary Yoga and Buddhist practice (I'm looking at you, Mindfulness Movement):
"If we don't understand the significance or meaning of meditation, our practice of zazen becomes no more than an escape from a noisy society. It becomes a meaningless method to simply calm our minds and reduce our stress. If our life is harmful to others and we practice meditation to relax and gain more energy for self-centered activities, our practice has nothing to do with Buddhist teachings."
March 26, 2013
In this book Shohaku Okumura goes over much of the liturgy of a Soto Zen Center, interpreting it and explaining it. Okumura is probably the leading writer about Soto Zen in English, and this is another invaluable text.
April 30, 2021
This is an eloquent commentary on Dogen Zenji's work on vows that brings clarity and rich understanding of Buddhist practices. Excellent read for any practitioner, lay or ordained, to deepen their understanding of the vows and rituals.
February 18, 2025
"Living By Vow: A Practical Introduction to Eight Essential Zen Chants and Texts" by Shohaku Okumura centers on eight important liturgical texts in the Soto Zen liturgy. Those eight chants are:
1. The Four Bodhisattva Vows
2. The Verse of Repentance
3. The Verse of the Three Refuges
4. The Robe Chant
5. The Meal Chants
6. The Heart Sutra
7. Merging of Difference and Unity
8. The Verse of Opening the Sutra
Each chant has a chapter dedicated to it, in which Okumura Roshi goes into depth on how these chants link the liturgy to the practice of Zazen. As I have matured as a priest and a practitioner of Zen I have taken a serious interest in the liturgy. While I know that in the West the idea of the ritual end of Zen can be daunting for some practitioners I believe it is important to at least be familiar with the chants and where they tie into the practice. Okumura Roshi does a superb job of presenting these chants to a western audience. I cannot recommend this text enough, especially to beginners.
1. The Four Bodhisattva Vows
2. The Verse of Repentance
3. The Verse of the Three Refuges
4. The Robe Chant
5. The Meal Chants
6. The Heart Sutra
7. Merging of Difference and Unity
8. The Verse of Opening the Sutra
Each chant has a chapter dedicated to it, in which Okumura Roshi goes into depth on how these chants link the liturgy to the practice of Zazen. As I have matured as a priest and a practitioner of Zen I have taken a serious interest in the liturgy. While I know that in the West the idea of the ritual end of Zen can be daunting for some practitioners I believe it is important to at least be familiar with the chants and where they tie into the practice. Okumura Roshi does a superb job of presenting these chants to a western audience. I cannot recommend this text enough, especially to beginners.
September 25, 2019
I must say, Shohaku Okumura’s “Living by Vow” is very different from other Zen books that I have read. There is just so much to process on every page. I truly loved it. His descriptions of zazen, little tidbits he inserts about his practice over a lifetime, and his exploration of translations are phenomenal. The chapter on the Heart Sutra was definitely my favourite, but every chapter had something unique to offer. It’s also a wonderful book because Okumura provides a glossary of words in the back. I plan on keeping this book in my library for a long time! Good for reflection, but definitely not a quick read. Although I will add that my partner has read this book three times!
This is a good introduction to Soto Zen texts, but it may help if one has read about Zen in the past or practices zazen. As Okumura says, “Any theoretical system of concepts or thoughts is a distorted copy of reality. We can only practice it, experience it, and nod out head” (p. 247).
This is a good introduction to Soto Zen texts, but it may help if one has read about Zen in the past or practices zazen. As Okumura says, “Any theoretical system of concepts or thoughts is a distorted copy of reality. We can only practice it, experience it, and nod out head” (p. 247).
March 23, 2022
This book explores 8 Zen Buddhist texts. The author looks at how words are translated from Sanskrit, Chinese, and Japanese. He also looks at the meanings he has come to understand through a life of living with these texts. I learned a lot about basic philosophies central to Buddhism from this text. I appreciated the reminder that any classic text has many barriers to understanding it, from the culture of the time it was written to the meanings of the original words. This book does not look at how these chants are utilized in Buddhist life today. Portions do repeat as some of the book seems to be collected talks. The most interesting part for me were the brief descriptions of the author's life. I always enjoy the personal.
August 19, 2018
Okumura gives an extensive and thoughtful overview of Sōtō Zen Buddhist chants and texts. He breaks down the translations from Chinese into Japanese and then into English, pointing to slightly different connotations and how the texts shift slightly across languages.
Contextualizing each text in its historical and cultural origin, Okumura strives to familiarize Western practitioners with the long tradition in which Sōtō Zen is only one school among many. It was helpful to read this along with the book group at my zendo, but even studied alone, Okumura’s book is an excellent introduction to the complex and philosophically nuanced terrain of Sōtō Zen.
Contextualizing each text in its historical and cultural origin, Okumura strives to familiarize Western practitioners with the long tradition in which Sōtō Zen is only one school among many. It was helpful to read this along with the book group at my zendo, but even studied alone, Okumura’s book is an excellent introduction to the complex and philosophically nuanced terrain of Sōtō Zen.
March 28, 2025
À truly enlightening book that examines the way through a few of its essential texts. There is so much wisdom here to take in that to truly appreciate this book’s depth requires re-reading, contemplation, and of course steady practice.
October 13, 2020
Excellent and relatable commentary on Dogen´s Shobogenzo: highly recommended for to any serious Zen student!
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July 13, 2022Helpful deep read of zen liturgy
August 7, 2023
This book is one of the most profound Buddhist books I have ever read. It is full of practical guidance and deep understanding like a finger pointing at the moon.
August 24, 2023
Awesome!
The closing chapter took my breath away, like a great film that's builds minute by minute, a truly wonderful book to read
The closing chapter took my breath away, like a great film that's builds minute by minute, a truly wonderful book to read
October 4, 2025
a beautiful introduction to chants that I have recited many times but never knew the origins of
February 17, 2014
Overall it was OK. There were some parts that gave me pause, but overall, just OK.
July 25, 2015
One of the best non-introductory books on Buddhism I've ever read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews