Dogen's Pure Standards for the Zen Community: A Translation of the Eihei Shingi

by Dōgen

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.

Genres: Zen, Buddhism

272 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1995

About the author

Dōgen Zenji (道元禅師; also Dōgen Kigen 道元希玄, or Eihei Dōgen 永平道元, or Koso Joyo Daishi) was a Zen Buddhist teacher and the founder of the Sōtō Zen school of Buddhism in Japan.

Reviews

[Jeb Boyt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michael Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book on Zen monasticism.