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The Zen Teaching of Homeless Kodo
Abandon your treasured delusions and hit the road with one of the most important Zen masters of twentieth-century Japan.
Eschewing the entrapments of vanity, power, and money, "Homeless" Kodo Sawaki Roshi refused to accept a permanent position as a temple abbot, despite repeated offers. Instead, he lived a traveling, "homeless" life, going from temple to temple, student to student, teaching and instructing and never allowing himself to stray from his chosen path. He is responsible for making Soto Zen available to the common people outside of monasteries.
His teachings are short, sharp, and powerful. Always clear, often funny, and sometimes uncomfortably close to home, they jolt us into awakening.
Kosho Uchiyama expands and explains his teacher's wisdom with his commentary. Trained in Western philosophy, he draws parallels between Zen teachings and the Bible, Descartes, and Pascal. Shohaku Okumura has also added his own commentary, grounding his teachers' power and sagacity for the contemporary, Western practitioner.
Experience the timeless, practical wisdom of three generations of Zen masters.
Eschewing the entrapments of vanity, power, and money, "Homeless" Kodo Sawaki Roshi refused to accept a permanent position as a temple abbot, despite repeated offers. Instead, he lived a traveling, "homeless" life, going from temple to temple, student to student, teaching and instructing and never allowing himself to stray from his chosen path. He is responsible for making Soto Zen available to the common people outside of monasteries.
His teachings are short, sharp, and powerful. Always clear, often funny, and sometimes uncomfortably close to home, they jolt us into awakening.
Kosho Uchiyama expands and explains his teacher's wisdom with his commentary. Trained in Western philosophy, he draws parallels between Zen teachings and the Bible, Descartes, and Pascal. Shohaku Okumura has also added his own commentary, grounding his teachers' power and sagacity for the contemporary, Western practitioner.
Experience the timeless, practical wisdom of three generations of Zen masters.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
115 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Kosho Uchiyama
17 books44 followersKosho Uchiyama (内山 興正 Uchiyama Kōshō?, 1912—March 13, 1998) was a Sōtō priest, origami master, and abbot of Antai-ji near Kyoto, Japan.
Uchiyama was author of more than twenty books on Zen Buddhism and origami,of which Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice is best known.
Uchiyama graduated from Waseda University with a masters degree in Western philosophy in 1937 and was ordained a priest in 1941 by his teacher Kodo Sawaki.Throughout his life, Uchiyama lived with the damaging effects of tuberculosis.
Uchiyama became abbot of Antai-ji following Sawaki's death in 1965 until he retired in 1975 to Nokei-in, also near Kyoto, where he lived with his wife. Following the death of his teacher he led a forty-nine day sesshin in memorial of his teacher. In retirement he continued his writing, the majority of which consisted of poetry.
Uchiyama was author of more than twenty books on Zen Buddhism and origami,of which Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice is best known.
Uchiyama graduated from Waseda University with a masters degree in Western philosophy in 1937 and was ordained a priest in 1941 by his teacher Kodo Sawaki.Throughout his life, Uchiyama lived with the damaging effects of tuberculosis.
Uchiyama became abbot of Antai-ji following Sawaki's death in 1965 until he retired in 1975 to Nokei-in, also near Kyoto, where he lived with his wife. Following the death of his teacher he led a forty-nine day sesshin in memorial of his teacher. In retirement he continued his writing, the majority of which consisted of poetry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 11, 2015
"Without demanding "give it to me!" we make and receive offerings. The world in which we give and receive is a serene and beautiful world. It differs from the world of scrambling for things. It's vast and boundless"
Great introduction to zen thinking. Its easy to read and I'm sure I will come back to it many times in the future. The book consists of a compilation of quotes by Kodo Sawaki (the homeless Kodo) which are then interpreted by his disciple Kodo Uchiyama.
If you are searching for a better way of understanding zen, this book is for you.
If you just want to feel inspired by a different way of thinking, this book is for you.
I've read a couple of books on Zen Buddhism and this is by far my favorite so far. The reason I am attracted to this philosophy is that it leads to a place where you stop comparing yourself to others and instead try to understand yourself as part of the universe. All our thoughts are like bandits constantly stealing our attention from the eternal beauty of life. If you really empty your thoughts it becomes possible to enjoy every moment as it if it were your last. I find the sentiments were best explained by William Blake:
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour
Great introduction to zen thinking. Its easy to read and I'm sure I will come back to it many times in the future. The book consists of a compilation of quotes by Kodo Sawaki (the homeless Kodo) which are then interpreted by his disciple Kodo Uchiyama.
If you are searching for a better way of understanding zen, this book is for you.
If you just want to feel inspired by a different way of thinking, this book is for you.
I've read a couple of books on Zen Buddhism and this is by far my favorite so far. The reason I am attracted to this philosophy is that it leads to a place where you stop comparing yourself to others and instead try to understand yourself as part of the universe. All our thoughts are like bandits constantly stealing our attention from the eternal beauty of life. If you really empty your thoughts it becomes possible to enjoy every moment as it if it were your last. I find the sentiments were best explained by William Blake:
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour
October 1, 2017
KODO SAWAKI:
Once someone asked me, “I understand that when we do zazen, we manifest buddha, but when we don’t do zazen, are we just ordinary deluded people?” Do you think that when you’re stealing something, you’re a thief, but when you aren’t stealing, you aren’t a thief? You can eat rice to commit a robbery or to practice zazen. Is it the same or different? Even if a person steals only once, he’s a thief; even though we do zazen for only one period, we do zazen forever.
How could it be that only Ishikawa Goemon is a thief and one who steals on the spur of the moment isn’t? Anyone who steals on impulse is surely a crook. In the same way, not only is Shakyamuni a buddha, but anyone who does zazen following the Buddha is a buddha.
Once someone asked me, “I understand that when we do zazen, we manifest buddha, but when we don’t do zazen, are we just ordinary deluded people?” Do you think that when you’re stealing something, you’re a thief, but when you aren’t stealing, you aren’t a thief? You can eat rice to commit a robbery or to practice zazen. Is it the same or different? Even if a person steals only once, he’s a thief; even though we do zazen for only one period, we do zazen forever.
How could it be that only Ishikawa Goemon is a thief and one who steals on the spur of the moment isn’t? Anyone who steals on impulse is surely a crook. In the same way, not only is Shakyamuni a buddha, but anyone who does zazen following the Buddha is a buddha.
October 23, 2022
...in the tradition of the great Shitou, or Socrates, the rev. Kodo Sawaki did not really 'teach' nor 'preach' bur rather led a very radical life. These are some gleanings of what he might have said here and there compiled by one of his disciples. Despite being second-hand, these are deep thoughts on the way how one can free oneself from the powers of delusional Maya.
June 16, 2019
A good, practical book of Buddhist insights. Most of it takes the general structure of a short saying from Kodo Sawaki, followed by expansion/interpretation from his student, Kosho Uchiyama, and then followed in turn by interpretation as well as historical/cultural context from Uchiyama's student, Shohaku Okumura. Sawaki and Uchiyama are the best parts of the book, but Okumura's commentary can be interesting and useful as well.
I like that Sawaki and Uchiyama are both very down-to-earth and say things that you can immediately relate to real life. A lot of Zen books are sort of poetic and mystical, and if you get that kind of thing, that's fine, but it's a lot easier to understand and connect with the teachings in this book, because it revolves more around real life and generally avoids talking about dewdrops and mountains. There's nothing wrong with dewdrops and mountains, but it's nice to see someone talking about the system of education, or the way people compete with one another socially, in those terms.
I like that Sawaki and Uchiyama are both very down-to-earth and say things that you can immediately relate to real life. A lot of Zen books are sort of poetic and mystical, and if you get that kind of thing, that's fine, but it's a lot easier to understand and connect with the teachings in this book, because it revolves more around real life and generally avoids talking about dewdrops and mountains. There's nothing wrong with dewdrops and mountains, but it's nice to see someone talking about the system of education, or the way people compete with one another socially, in those terms.
March 29, 2021
Some books on Zen are overly convoluted, mysterious, and packed full of koan-ish oxymoronic riddles. These can be fun, but intellectually challenging at the same time. Don't believe me? Try reading DT Suzuki or Dogen. Homeless Kodo is not that. It's a simple, fun examination of the life o f Kodo Sawaki Roshi, the things he said, analyzed by his students, Kosho Uchiyama and Shohaku Okumura. Being somewhat of a zennie, I enjoy reading books on Zen which are not too technical, and that I can recommend to the layman interested in exploring Zen. This is one of them.
January 31, 2017
Если откинуть всю религиозность, то довольно таки интересная книга. Заставляет задуматься над некоторыми моментами. Ниже приведу понравившиеся мне цитаты из книги (для более глубокого понятия о чём идёт речь нужно прочитать книгу):
Собака угрожает лаем и рычаньем, когда сидит на цепи, но быстро теряет смелость, оказываясь на свободе.
путь к полному осуществлению высочайшей цели человеческой жизни – здесь и сейчас.
Родиться человеком – редкая возможность, нечто такое, за что нужно быть благодарным. Но рождение человеком бесполезно, если вы проводите свою жизнь в больнице для умалишённых. Оно бесполезно, если вас тревожит отсутствие денег. Оно бесполезно, если вы становитесь невротиком из-за того, что не можете получить престижную работу. Оно бесполезно, если вы плачете из-за того, что потеряли подружку.
Мир стал маленьким благодаря развитию средств сообщения.
Человек, обладающий политической властью, пользуясь помощью школьных учителей и интеллектуалов, старается вынудить нас принять новые условности.
каждый должен открыть глаза и критически отнестись к тому, что он видит.
Иногда мы хвалим какую-нибудь личность не за то, за что нужно.
Вы не можете обменяться кишечными газами с первым встречным, верно? Каждый должен жить своим собственным «я». Кто хорошо выглядит? Кто красив? Вы или я? Нет необходимости сравнивать себя с другими.
Когда человек одинок, он не так уж плох; но когда сформировалась группа, возникает паралич; и люди оказываются настолько сбиты с толку, что не могут судить о том, что правильно, а что неправильно.
Психология толпы кажется мне такой странной. Если люди не знают чего-то, им лучше ничего не говорить. Но они что-то делают, что-то говорят и вешаются на других, не имея никаких собственных убеждений.
Сколько бы ни собралось угольной золы – это всего лишь угольная зола.
Люди ошибочно принимают количество за качество.
Если какие-то войска побеждают, их сторона называется справедливой, если войска оказываются побеждены, их сторону называют мятежной.
Мы претендуем на мудрость – и вследствие этого делаем глупости.
цивилизация и культура – это не что иное, как коллективная разработка иллюзорных желаний.
Арнольд Тойнби сказал: «Наша современная наука и научная культура увеличила скорость первородного греха Адама взрывной энергией. Это всё. И мы никогда не освобождали себя от первородного греха».
«Если вы правы, тогда не правы другие; если правы другие, тогда не правы вы. Вы не бываете правы все время; не бывают правы всё время и другие. Мы – не более чем обычные люди».
Каждый погружён в собственную жизнь – и живёт, слепо веря в то, что в его повседневной деятельности должен существовать какой-то смысл. Но в действительности жизнь человека не отличается от жизни ласточки – самцы собирают еду, самки высиживают яйца.
Когда лифт начинает опускаться, вы по-настоящему чувствуете, что он движется вниз; но когда скорость становится постоянной, можно почувствовать, что клеть как будто движется вверх.
В этом мире вас привлекает множество вещей. Но как только вы что-то сделаете или получите их, они оказываются бесполезными.
Когда люди заглядывают внутрь себя, они обнаруживают, что их жизнь вообще не налажена.
Пока мы живы, у нас будут проблемы, основанные на предположении, что мы будем продолжать жить. Но важно также взглянуть на эти проблемы с предположением, что в следующее мгновение мы окажемся в гробу.
Вообразите, что после смерти вы думаете о своей жизни. Вы увидите, что она не имела значения.
человек, легко подпадающий под влияние силы внушения, ненадёжен.
Тот, кто зарабатывает на жизнь титулом или положением, – самая слабая личность из всех.
Фиалка цветёт как фиалка, роза цветёт как роза. Фиалке нет необходимости создавать цветы розы.
Мы едим пищу не для того, чтобы гадить. Мы испражняемся не для того, чтобы делать удобрения. Но в последние годы большинство людей думает, что вы идёте в среднюю школу, чтобы поступить в колледж, а поступаете в колледж для того, чтобы получить хорошую работу.
Когда вы не больны, вы забываете о своём теле.
Если вы живёте в шумной ситуации, вы перестаёте замечать шум;
Насколько вы можете видеть, есть только вы – и ничего другого, кроме вас. Вам нельзя попросить кого-то разделить вашу усталость или пережить за вас вашу боль.
«Живи не для того, чтобы есть, а ешь для того, чтобы жить»
Мы много болтаем и говорим: «С моей точки зрения…» – но мы так думаем только потому, что находимся под влиянием предыдущих условий существования. А мышление, основанное на прошлом, не может быть конечной точкой зрения.
«тот, кто полагается на других, всегда беспокоен».
Когда мы думаем: «Я его ненавижу!», мы ненавидим данную личность, забывая при этом, что мысль – всего лишь секрет мозг��. Ненависть захватывает наш ум, тиранит его. Ненавидя этого человека, мы подчиняемся этому тирану. Когда мы кого-то любим, мы оказываемся унесены своей привязанностью к этой личности; и мы оказываемся порабощены любовью. В конечном счёте все мы живём как вассалы одного властелина – мысли. Таков источник всех наших проблем.
Если мы проваливаемся в ад, мы просто проходим через ад;
Продвигаться вперёд шаг за шагом – вот что важно.
January 16, 2018
Thought it would be more stories and anecdotes from the day to day lifestyle of 'homeless kodo' but it was a more a series of thoughts and opinions (most of it common sense and plenty of it rather judgemental if you ask me). Nevertheless, I found myself agreeing with lots of it and I enjoy the simple discussion of zen and mindfulness for its own sake.
In that sense, it was like listening to rather like-minded people discussing a topic I am familiar with. It was not what I expected, but it was a pleasant read.
3 star
In that sense, it was like listening to rather like-minded people discussing a topic I am familiar with. It was not what I expected, but it was a pleasant read.
3 star
July 25, 2022
Okei see raamat on raamatuline väljendus sellest mis olid need kolm rahulikku tundi kui me joosepiga yhe aegnal asuva väikese meresopikese kaldal istusime. Kui keegi kysiks mu käest mis asi on zen budism ss ma juhataks nad sinna :D
January 17, 2024
The structure of this book is that each shirt chapter starts with a quoted teaching from Kody and is followed by a commentary by disciple Kosho Uchiyama. Most of these are sourced from articles written shortly after the teacher’s death. Shohaku Okumura then offers his thoughts.
Kodo’s style is often harsh and somewhat misanthropic. He is an austere and severe representative of Zen. His words are cutting and unforgiving. Uchiyama often comes off almost apologetic in his longer remarks.
There is an inordinate amount of casual misogyny in this book. While this may be a product of the time and culture in which the two elder authors lived, it is a shame that Okumura does not seem inclined to address it in his commentary.
Kodo’s style is often harsh and somewhat misanthropic. He is an austere and severe representative of Zen. His words are cutting and unforgiving. Uchiyama often comes off almost apologetic in his longer remarks.
There is an inordinate amount of casual misogyny in this book. While this may be a product of the time and culture in which the two elder authors lived, it is a shame that Okumura does not seem inclined to address it in his commentary.
August 1, 2024
What an amazing story. I will never look at Zen the same way again. I hope to keep Kodo in my memory as I continue to practice Zen, Zazen, Kinhin, and The Dharma. An absolute must read.
February 7, 2018
Very nice collection of teachings from Dogen-lineage. Though at times the format of these teachings themselves was a bit difficult, but all in all it is highly recommended
July 30, 2019
Really enjoyed the short passages that made up the chapters, which made it easier to pick up the thread when I was forced to read sporadically. There were many fabulous anecdotes throughout the book; many "teaching stories." I wish the book had been better structured as a whole, though, and that chapters flowed more smoothly into one another the way the essays included at the end of the book do. I especially enjoyed the second half of the book. And especially loved Chapter 63: "The Blessings of the Universe" ... Kodo Sawaki in this chapter: "Heaven and earth make offerings. Air, water, plants, animals, and human beings make offerings. All things make offerings to each other. It's only within this circle of offering that we can live. Whether we appreciate this or not..."
January 17, 2013
Uchiyama Roshi relates stories from his teacher Kodo Sawaki Roshi, an iconoclastic 20th Century Zen Master, with commentary. Excellent.
April 23, 2016
Some really good thoughts on Zen Buddhism and how it applies to contemporary life, in understandable, non gooey language. I wish I had had this book when I was 15 or 20.
January 8, 2019
A good read chapter-by-chapter, for daily inspiration and Zen-wise guidance. Soto Zen is presented in a way that can speak unprejudiced to persons of other wisdom paths. This is a book about timeless wisdom, not Soto Zen as a movement, a sect, itself, by a Master who learned a distrust of the potential egoic conflicts in instituationalized Zen contexts. He, hence, chose a non-establishment approach and, therefore, can appeal to persons in cultures wherein many have lost trust in traditional institutions, including religious. This sage reminds us we do not have to rebel against and disown traditional wisdom paths, like Zen, simply for losing faith in institutions that reflect common human traits within the human realm in its overall context.
For Master Sawaki, Zen was life as zazen. His main sitting practice was shikantaza, though he studied other approaches, including in-depth studies and practice in Yogachara. Yet, paradoxically, he taught: zazen is good for nothing. The book explores this apparent contradiction and how it addresses the Master's bare-bones teaching and practice.
Quality differs among the segments, and Master Kodo Sawaki's words are few, but to the point, sometimes rather uncompromisingly direct (via traditionalist Zen). The Master's tongue is a sharpened double-edged sword, in devotion to the Truth that cuts both ways. In my native culture, Master Sawaki would be referred to as he tells it like it is. So, persons need not come to this Sage simply for sweet devotion to tantalize the 'spiritual' taste buds.
I advise reading the autobiographical section first. This is the last segment. This section will enrich the reading of the prior chapters, likewise showing how Master Sawaki was shaped by a difficult childhood of loss and mistreatment, following the demise of both parents. This section will demonstrate, furthermore, that Master Sawaki was much more than a "Homeless Kodo," including his eminent intellect and university professorship, as well as administrative acumen.
This book is Soto Zen-traditional, so more appealing to persons of a conservative approach to Zen. Yet, as noted, I find the book to be forthright regarding universal wisdom, arising from the Master and commentators' devotion to Dharma as simply the way it is, whatever it is.
For Master Sawaki, Zen was life as zazen. His main sitting practice was shikantaza, though he studied other approaches, including in-depth studies and practice in Yogachara. Yet, paradoxically, he taught: zazen is good for nothing. The book explores this apparent contradiction and how it addresses the Master's bare-bones teaching and practice.
Quality differs among the segments, and Master Kodo Sawaki's words are few, but to the point, sometimes rather uncompromisingly direct (via traditionalist Zen). The Master's tongue is a sharpened double-edged sword, in devotion to the Truth that cuts both ways. In my native culture, Master Sawaki would be referred to as he tells it like it is. So, persons need not come to this Sage simply for sweet devotion to tantalize the 'spiritual' taste buds.
I advise reading the autobiographical section first. This is the last segment. This section will enrich the reading of the prior chapters, likewise showing how Master Sawaki was shaped by a difficult childhood of loss and mistreatment, following the demise of both parents. This section will demonstrate, furthermore, that Master Sawaki was much more than a "Homeless Kodo," including his eminent intellect and university professorship, as well as administrative acumen.
This book is Soto Zen-traditional, so more appealing to persons of a conservative approach to Zen. Yet, as noted, I find the book to be forthright regarding universal wisdom, arising from the Master and commentators' devotion to Dharma as simply the way it is, whatever it is.
February 14, 2021
An enjoyable and insightful collection of sayings of this fascinating and impactful Zen teacher of the 20th century. The book is a collection of newspaper articles published by Kodo's student Kosho, wherein a saying of Kodo's is punctuated with Kosho's commentary. This edition expands on that with Kosho's own student Shohaku commenting on the original text and the commentary (very Talmudic).
Such a setup is liable to feel fragmentary and disjointed, but the book does a great job using the additional text to amplify the power of the original teaching and weave everything together nicely. It's a format I tend not to like but found very well put together here. I think some of the chapters are a little tedious/frivolous - like an old man complaining about kids today - but it's mostly a great read.
Kodo was a charismatic and brilliant teacher, and even the small bits of his teachings I have found as an English-reader have been greatly influential in my Zen practice. Kodo essentially personified the concept of shikantaza, and everything he did or said sheds light on it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has already started a Zen practice and is looking for a perspective that is, at present, not mainstream and is thought-provoking and invigorating. I don't recommend this book for beginners, because what's interesting about the teaching is very subtle and won't seem very profound - Kodo will just sound like a cranky curmudgeon. You probably want to have struggled with shikantaza at least a little bit. But I can't say you won't enjoy it, because it's easy to read and there's a lot of charm.
Such a setup is liable to feel fragmentary and disjointed, but the book does a great job using the additional text to amplify the power of the original teaching and weave everything together nicely. It's a format I tend not to like but found very well put together here. I think some of the chapters are a little tedious/frivolous - like an old man complaining about kids today - but it's mostly a great read.
Kodo was a charismatic and brilliant teacher, and even the small bits of his teachings I have found as an English-reader have been greatly influential in my Zen practice. Kodo essentially personified the concept of shikantaza, and everything he did or said sheds light on it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has already started a Zen practice and is looking for a perspective that is, at present, not mainstream and is thought-provoking and invigorating. I don't recommend this book for beginners, because what's interesting about the teaching is very subtle and won't seem very profound - Kodo will just sound like a cranky curmudgeon. You probably want to have struggled with shikantaza at least a little bit. But I can't say you won't enjoy it, because it's easy to read and there's a lot of charm.
July 16, 2023
Kōdō Sawaki embodied the stereotypical Japanese Zen master. Hard but fair, sharp in mind and tongue. His language was short and concise and very easy to quote. His disciple, Kosho Uchiyama, was the opposite. A gentle bookworm who, despite the title of Zen master, always retained his own nervousness and shyness. Uchiyama was in turn the teacher of the currently active Zen teacher Shohaku Okumura, who more radiates the energy of an insightful and forgiving relative, possessing "grandmother mind" as this wisdom is sometimes called in the Zen tradition.
This lineage of teachers and students all contribute to this excellent book. Each chapter opens with a short lesson from Sawaki, often baffling in its blunt simplicity, which is then expanded and interpreted by the more academic Uchiyama. Finally, Okumura reflects on both of these and offers comments aimed at today's readers.
This format works really well, with the three levels of interpretation representing how the Buddha's teachings are passed down from generation to generation, something central in the Zen tradition and key to its survival.
This lineage of teachers and students all contribute to this excellent book. Each chapter opens with a short lesson from Sawaki, often baffling in its blunt simplicity, which is then expanded and interpreted by the more academic Uchiyama. Finally, Okumura reflects on both of these and offers comments aimed at today's readers.
This format works really well, with the three levels of interpretation representing how the Buddha's teachings are passed down from generation to generation, something central in the Zen tradition and key to its survival.
April 5, 2023
Had I read this a few years ago, I would have put the book down quickly and chalked it up to esoteric nonsense. Had I read it one year ago, I would have finished it and interpreted the meaning in my own flawed way.
Reading this now, as I reach 40, and consider my role in life and where the Universe has brought me, it reveals some staggering truths.
This book makes me feel both ashamed of my own ego, humbled by the beauty and message, and silences me into a state of appreciation and acceptance.
I feel the need now to read more of the writings and teachings of Kosho Uchiyama and Kodo Sawaki Roshi. Both their lives give a stunning and thunderous example of a life devoted to true Buddhism and the search for understanding the self.
One of the best books I have ever read. Not because of the quality of its writing, or hidden wisdom. This book resonates with me so powerfully because I am grappling with soo many of the vices and illusions mentioned. And it provides no answer. Which I know is the truth.
Reading this now, as I reach 40, and consider my role in life and where the Universe has brought me, it reveals some staggering truths.
This book makes me feel both ashamed of my own ego, humbled by the beauty and message, and silences me into a state of appreciation and acceptance.
I feel the need now to read more of the writings and teachings of Kosho Uchiyama and Kodo Sawaki Roshi. Both their lives give a stunning and thunderous example of a life devoted to true Buddhism and the search for understanding the self.
One of the best books I have ever read. Not because of the quality of its writing, or hidden wisdom. This book resonates with me so powerfully because I am grappling with soo many of the vices and illusions mentioned. And it provides no answer. Which I know is the truth.
March 22, 2018
Just three quotes- "People always say they're busy. For what are they busy? Only to earn their bread. Chickens also look busy constantly eating. But they eat only to be eaten." "Religion is not for changing the external world. It is for transforming our eyes and ears, our habitual ways of perceiving and thinking." "Reading about zazen is the same-like counting other people's money or studying recipes without cooking and tasting. Even if a medicine has hundreds of benefits, reading about them won't cure us."
July 11, 2018
This is a damn good book.
It's like, you have Homeless Kodo making these short, pithy comments, some wise, a lot of them wiseass. Like fart jokes, even.
Then his student, Kosho Uchiyama, gives a comment, always much more polite.
Then his student, Shohaku Okumura, gives another. Has to do with the articles the book was assembled from, and then the time passed since the earlier edition.
But it makes for good reading, especially the commentary on how things have changed over time. It's cantankerous and fun, while also getting across good Zen observations.
It's like, you have Homeless Kodo making these short, pithy comments, some wise, a lot of them wiseass. Like fart jokes, even.
Then his student, Kosho Uchiyama, gives a comment, always much more polite.
Then his student, Shohaku Okumura, gives another. Has to do with the articles the book was assembled from, and then the time passed since the earlier edition.
But it makes for good reading, especially the commentary on how things have changed over time. It's cantankerous and fun, while also getting across good Zen observations.
September 25, 2020
At points in this book, the authors seem more than a little judgemental and prescriptive. Nevertheless, there is a lot in here to ponder and some things that actually make you reconsider your relationship with the modern world and others. At other points, it comes across as little more than a collection of soundbites. Approach it with a curious and critical mind, and there is value within these pages.
May 4, 2022
I appreciate the pithy teachings Sawaki Roshi, the commentaries from Kosho Uchitama Roshi, and more recent commentaries from Shohaku Okumura that ground the teachings in their original contexts, and reshape them for learning in a more current context for English- native readers.
October 25, 2017
The real deal.
August 17, 2018
This book's got an amazing index.
January 21, 2020
This zen amp is cranked to 11!! All kidding aside, one of the best understandable books on zen I have ever read. I know I’ll be coming back to this again and again.
May 14, 2020
Awesome, inspiring set of thoughts by the great Zen-master Kodo Sawaki and his successor - Kosho Uchiyama.
September 30, 2016
I really enjoy & appreciate all of Okamura's books, and this one is my favorite, bringing us the teachings of both Homeless Kodo & Uchiyama, as well as Okamura's commentary. I'm not one for Dogen, not having a poetic mind, and I find this volume very accessible & pertinent to practice. It's going by my bedside for regular before sleep reading. Many bows to Okamura for bringing these wonderful teachings to us.
October 24, 2021
Very cool conceit — 2 generations of teachers providing commentary on brief teachings of a third. A teaser for the humble teachings of Uchiyama Roshi, but particularly for those of Sawaki Roshi, whose contrasting ardent clarity of vision and sense of humor is refreshing.
August 11, 2025
250313:excellent. series of answers from conversations with sawaki kodo rishi, often oral translation into text, querent other students, buddhists, other religious believers (mostly christian) this book does not hesitate to critique zen, particularly its role in WW2. kodo is who we would all like to learn zen from (especially zazen). there are familar images. there are new. life's struggles and fears and desires ultimately revealed as insubstantial as fleeting clouds...
there is kodos paradoxical claims that 'zazen is good for nothing', that you are just what you are,
there is kodos paradoxical claims that 'zazen is good for nothing', that you are just what you are,
August 9, 2015
An examination of three Dharma generations of questions and answers. A very well balanced, and openly explained look at the thoughts of Dogen, combined with aspects of Pure Land Buddhism. The biography of Kodo Sawaki Roshi at the end was a great addition to this book.
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