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Master Dogen's Shobogenzo #4
Master Dogen's Shobogenzo, Book 1
This translation, supported by the Japan Foundation, makes a strong claim to be the definitive translation of the 95 chapter edition of Shobogenzo, the essential Japanese Buddhist text, written in the 13th century by Zen Master Dogen. The translation adheres closely to the original Japanese, with a clear style and extensive annotations. Book 1 presents translations of twenty-one chapters of Shobogenzo including Genjo-koan (The Realized Universe), Soku-shin-ze-butsu (Mind Here & Now is Buddha), Uji (Existence-Time), and Sansuigyo (The Sutra of Mountains & Water). Its several reference sections include a Chinese/English appendix of references to the Lotus Sutra, and an extensive Sanskrit glossary. 'At last I visited Zen Master Nyojo of Dai-byaku-ho mountain, and there I was able to complete the great task of a lifetime of practice. After that, at the beginning of the great Sung era of Shojo, I came home determined to spread the Dharma and to save living beings, it was as if a heavy burden had been placed on my shoulders....I will leave this record to people who learn in practice and are easy in the truth, so that they can know the right Dharma of the Buddha's lineage. This may be a true mission.'
334 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 12 reviews
April 25, 2017
Trying to "rate" the fundamental text of Mahayana Buddhism is pretentious beyond belief. So let's assume that if you're here, you knew what you were looking for fairly clearly and we'll not assume that this is anything other than the Treasury of the True Dharma Eye that you thought you were after.
Make no mistake, this work is intended to challenge everything you think about, well, everything. It takes on the nature of reality, the nature of self, the nature the story it just told you and the nature of the book itself. Master Dogen retells stories that perhaps you've already heard and that seem clear and explains why the hero is the villain and how the fool is filled with wisdom and how the thought that just crossed your mind is wrong, wrong, wrong! In fact it doesn't exist! In fact, you never had that thought! Stop all this thinking nonsense you're doing!
He also tells you, in great detail, how to wipe your ass with a stick.
So, it's got that going for it, too.
There are a small handful of English translations of the full Shobogenzo (of which this is volume one of four). Nishijima/Cross' version is the most linguistically exacting. This is both a plus and a minus as it becomes easy to get mired in the weeds of the copious footnotes that are necessary to trying to tease out some of the semantic acrobatics that Dogen so delights in. Having one of Kazuaki Tanahashi's more flowing translations such as "Moon in a Dewdrop" to use to reread the section you just finished really opens the text up and gives the reader the best of both worlds.
And Brad Warner's "Don't Be a Jerk" is a remarkable and insightful (and very funny) modern paraphrasing of sections of Shobogenzo that serves quite wonderfully as a primer on what the other translations are doing.
This is not a book to be raced through or read only once. Read. Sit. Talk to a teacher. Sit some more. Rinse. Repeat. Forever.
Make no mistake, this work is intended to challenge everything you think about, well, everything. It takes on the nature of reality, the nature of self, the nature the story it just told you and the nature of the book itself. Master Dogen retells stories that perhaps you've already heard and that seem clear and explains why the hero is the villain and how the fool is filled with wisdom and how the thought that just crossed your mind is wrong, wrong, wrong! In fact it doesn't exist! In fact, you never had that thought! Stop all this thinking nonsense you're doing!
He also tells you, in great detail, how to wipe your ass with a stick.
So, it's got that going for it, too.
There are a small handful of English translations of the full Shobogenzo (of which this is volume one of four). Nishijima/Cross' version is the most linguistically exacting. This is both a plus and a minus as it becomes easy to get mired in the weeds of the copious footnotes that are necessary to trying to tease out some of the semantic acrobatics that Dogen so delights in. Having one of Kazuaki Tanahashi's more flowing translations such as "Moon in a Dewdrop" to use to reread the section you just finished really opens the text up and gives the reader the best of both worlds.
And Brad Warner's "Don't Be a Jerk" is a remarkable and insightful (and very funny) modern paraphrasing of sections of Shobogenzo that serves quite wonderfully as a primer on what the other translations are doing.
This is not a book to be raced through or read only once. Read. Sit. Talk to a teacher. Sit some more. Rinse. Repeat. Forever.
March 12, 2020
I studied this book (and the other 3) for a decade and it is one that still travels with me. I still study it, and each time I open it a new aspect is seen.
June 29, 2022
Far from an easy read and probably something you come back to again and again, over decades, uncovering new layers of meaning and insight. Recommended to any serious practitioners of Zen, especially Soto Zen.
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March 10, 2023No stars. No review. You'll need to look at if you want to look at primary sources of Soto Zen, as opposed to those who want to explain to you that which tries to move beyond the cognitive framing of explanation and expectation.
August 23, 2020
Reading Eihei Dogen's 'Shobogenzo' helped me understand so much about kensho, the nature of reality,the idea of self (or no-self),our connection with the natural world, satori,the importance of zazen, and some key facets of buddhist ethics.
'Each moment is the universe'
'Realization is like the moon reflected in water. The moon doesnt get wet,and the water isn't broken. The entire moon and sky can be reflected in a dew drop on a blade of grass. Realization doesnt break an individual, just like the moon doesnt break the water. An individual doesnt hinder realization, just like a dew drop doesn't get in the way of the sky. The depth of realization is like the height of the moon.'
- Master Dogen (1200-53 C.E)
This phenomenal work was penned nearly 800 years ago and yet its insights feel so relevant in the contemporary world.Truly a Zen masterpiece.
'
'Each moment is the universe'
'Realization is like the moon reflected in water. The moon doesnt get wet,and the water isn't broken. The entire moon and sky can be reflected in a dew drop on a blade of grass. Realization doesnt break an individual, just like the moon doesnt break the water. An individual doesnt hinder realization, just like a dew drop doesn't get in the way of the sky. The depth of realization is like the height of the moon.'
- Master Dogen (1200-53 C.E)
This phenomenal work was penned nearly 800 years ago and yet its insights feel so relevant in the contemporary world.Truly a Zen masterpiece.
'
July 13, 2024
"There is a very easy way to become buddha {sic]. Not committing wrongs, being without attachment to life-and-death; showing deep compassion for all living beings, venerating those above and pitying those below; being free of mind that dislikes the ten thousand things and free of the mind that desires them; the mind being without thought and without grief: this is called buddha [sic]. Look for nothing else."
This book showcases the brilliance of Dogen's mystical, yet practical, vision, along with his sectarianism that unfortunately makes the text less relevant for a modern-day layperson. The translation also seems true to the text as it often seems to strike a good balance between poetic mysticism and practical clarity, though some of the interpretations by the translator are overly simplified/straightforward.
Dogen's spirituality is beautiful in the sense that it venerates the 'normal' activities of a monk. His expression of nonduality is being Buddha by (just) doing what the Buddha does: wear robes, eat meals with one bowl, and sit in the balanced state of samadhi and prajna. A great insight from the translators is that subject and object are made one through action, thought in the absolute sense, everything is just the way it is.
Nishijima and Cross often amazingly manage to bring Dogen's poetic and often obscure phrases down to earth. Sometimes, though, I find their interpretations a bit hard to believe since it seems too straightforward.
One way Dogen's philosophy (or at least its presentation here) could be interpreted is that it is simply Buddhist orthodoxy, which downplays the importance of Enlightenment and therefore not giving accurate or reliable means to achieve it. Modern Soto Zen seems deeply affected by this.
Another problem with the translation is that it frequently tries to reduce any high concept. While this is good to prevent fetishization, frequently it can be unhelpful or potentially simply incorrect. As plagues many Zen texts, there is a lack of capitalisation that can lead to confusion - for example, not capitalising 'buddha' or 'mind'. Samadhi, which is usually left as Sanskrit in translation, is translated here as 'balanced state', which is fine, but nonstandard. However, Nishijima also had some great insights, such as this one: "Buddhism ... is not a spiritual religion but a religion of reality, and so it reveres conduct. Thus Buddhism values the action of making real offerings ... The value is in the serving of the offering itself, which is just Buddhist conduct."
Back to positives about Dogen: one clever thing he does is make sure that the reader doesn't take any phenomena for granted. Something seemingly ordinary can be miraculous, and the unusual and magical can be mundane. This informs his spirituality of doing activities in the balanced state being subline and Enlightenment itself. Some of Dogen's more mystical chapters are beautiful and astounding; Buddhas Alone, Together With Buddhas (Chapter 91) is a favourite of mine.
Unfortunately, this text is mostly geared towards monks and is often deeply sectarian and not applicable to most people. Dogen believes that a layperson can't achieve Enlightenment and that a monk breaking the precepts has more merit than a layperson observing the precepts. I wonder what benefit a layperson gets from reading this text, other than getting more motivation to become a monk/nun. There are also many chapters that explain the customs of a monastery, with little spiritual or esoteric meaning, though I appreciate the importance that Dogen bestows to the details. Dogen was in a monastic setting most of his life, and I suspect this really biased his thinking against householders. Being a monk can be very beneficial spiritually, but in practice monasteries are not necessarily the best or even good places to practice. Ultimately, how does Dogen know that only monks can achieve Enlightenment? Doesn't it disregard other traditions and contradict empirical evidence.
Dogen also says that the Plaform Sutra is a fake text, which I don't think is shared with most Buddhists. Many chapters are also devoted to harshly criticising other within and outside the Zen tradition.
Nishijima also disingenuously interprets leaving home as 'transcending secular values', when really it seems clear to me that Dogen means it quite literally. Another strange interpretation made by Nishijima is doubting the existence of literal reincarnation, even when Dogen devotes a whole chapter to karma in different lifetimes.
Overall, the earlier books in this series seem more profound. I suspect this reflects Dogen becoming more sectarian as he aged. Consequently, this book has limited value for a layperson, though there are some spiritual gems. Dogen may have been a spiritual genius, but he still isn't immune from sectarianism. The translators have done a good job overall, and have a mostly good grasp of Dogen, but sometimes I think they get it completely wrong and therefore I can't say they are totally reliable.
My advice is to not rely on this text alone for Dogen. Best to get a collection of Dogen's best texts that are relevant for everyone, even if (and perhaps because) they are so difficult to understand.
Other good quotes:
- "The action of buddha [sic] takes place in unison with the whole Earth and takes place together with all living beings. If it does not include all, it is never the action of buddha [sic]."
- "For in the Buddha-Dharma we treat evil people through the method of silence."
- "Even if we try to be other than ourselves, we are ourselves."
- "As we continue investigating, an evident truth is present; it is, namely, the vigorous activity of the mind [sic?] alone."
This book showcases the brilliance of Dogen's mystical, yet practical, vision, along with his sectarianism that unfortunately makes the text less relevant for a modern-day layperson. The translation also seems true to the text as it often seems to strike a good balance between poetic mysticism and practical clarity, though some of the interpretations by the translator are overly simplified/straightforward.
Dogen's spirituality is beautiful in the sense that it venerates the 'normal' activities of a monk. His expression of nonduality is being Buddha by (just) doing what the Buddha does: wear robes, eat meals with one bowl, and sit in the balanced state of samadhi and prajna. A great insight from the translators is that subject and object are made one through action, thought in the absolute sense, everything is just the way it is.
Nishijima and Cross often amazingly manage to bring Dogen's poetic and often obscure phrases down to earth. Sometimes, though, I find their interpretations a bit hard to believe since it seems too straightforward.
One way Dogen's philosophy (or at least its presentation here) could be interpreted is that it is simply Buddhist orthodoxy, which downplays the importance of Enlightenment and therefore not giving accurate or reliable means to achieve it. Modern Soto Zen seems deeply affected by this.
Another problem with the translation is that it frequently tries to reduce any high concept. While this is good to prevent fetishization, frequently it can be unhelpful or potentially simply incorrect. As plagues many Zen texts, there is a lack of capitalisation that can lead to confusion - for example, not capitalising 'buddha' or 'mind'. Samadhi, which is usually left as Sanskrit in translation, is translated here as 'balanced state', which is fine, but nonstandard. However, Nishijima also had some great insights, such as this one: "Buddhism ... is not a spiritual religion but a religion of reality, and so it reveres conduct. Thus Buddhism values the action of making real offerings ... The value is in the serving of the offering itself, which is just Buddhist conduct."
Back to positives about Dogen: one clever thing he does is make sure that the reader doesn't take any phenomena for granted. Something seemingly ordinary can be miraculous, and the unusual and magical can be mundane. This informs his spirituality of doing activities in the balanced state being subline and Enlightenment itself. Some of Dogen's more mystical chapters are beautiful and astounding; Buddhas Alone, Together With Buddhas (Chapter 91) is a favourite of mine.
Unfortunately, this text is mostly geared towards monks and is often deeply sectarian and not applicable to most people. Dogen believes that a layperson can't achieve Enlightenment and that a monk breaking the precepts has more merit than a layperson observing the precepts. I wonder what benefit a layperson gets from reading this text, other than getting more motivation to become a monk/nun. There are also many chapters that explain the customs of a monastery, with little spiritual or esoteric meaning, though I appreciate the importance that Dogen bestows to the details. Dogen was in a monastic setting most of his life, and I suspect this really biased his thinking against householders. Being a monk can be very beneficial spiritually, but in practice monasteries are not necessarily the best or even good places to practice. Ultimately, how does Dogen know that only monks can achieve Enlightenment? Doesn't it disregard other traditions and contradict empirical evidence.
Dogen also says that the Plaform Sutra is a fake text, which I don't think is shared with most Buddhists. Many chapters are also devoted to harshly criticising other within and outside the Zen tradition.
Nishijima also disingenuously interprets leaving home as 'transcending secular values', when really it seems clear to me that Dogen means it quite literally. Another strange interpretation made by Nishijima is doubting the existence of literal reincarnation, even when Dogen devotes a whole chapter to karma in different lifetimes.
Overall, the earlier books in this series seem more profound. I suspect this reflects Dogen becoming more sectarian as he aged. Consequently, this book has limited value for a layperson, though there are some spiritual gems. Dogen may have been a spiritual genius, but he still isn't immune from sectarianism. The translators have done a good job overall, and have a mostly good grasp of Dogen, but sometimes I think they get it completely wrong and therefore I can't say they are totally reliable.
My advice is to not rely on this text alone for Dogen. Best to get a collection of Dogen's best texts that are relevant for everyone, even if (and perhaps because) they are so difficult to understand.
Other good quotes:
- "The action of buddha [sic] takes place in unison with the whole Earth and takes place together with all living beings. If it does not include all, it is never the action of buddha [sic]."
- "For in the Buddha-Dharma we treat evil people through the method of silence."
- "Even if we try to be other than ourselves, we are ourselves."
- "As we continue investigating, an evident truth is present; it is, namely, the vigorous activity of the mind [sic?] alone."
September 8, 2015
I've been reading and blogging about my experience of reading Shobogenzo over the last 4 years at www.it-all-just-is.com. It's been quite an experience! I can't recommend Dogen highly enough. Shobogenzo is enigmatic, infuriating, wise, tough as hell, and a delight to read; a wonderful puzzle, like life itself. It's changed my life for the better, enabling me to face the challenges of being alive here and now, and along with regular zazen practice, given me peace of body and mind. Something I thought would never happen. I am pleased to have made its acquaintance and look forward to reading it all again.
February 10, 2012
Essential.
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March 13, 2024ما اظن انه من الكتب اللي يمكن تقييمها لأن اشوفه كشيء تعليمي لي،
لفترة طويلة جدا كان عندي فضول حول البوذية و تعاليمها و كيف الراهب البوذي قادر على ترك كل ملذّات الحياة هذه و الانعزال، بحثت كثيرًا عن البوذية و أساليبها و اكتشفت وجود طوائف عديدة و معلومات أخرى، قررت ابدا بكتاب سماعي و عن دوقين كونه يبحث على التعاليم الأصيلة للبوذا و الزين و بداية التلميذ دارما و كيف تدارسوا جيل بعد جيل هذه التعاليم الأصيلة.
أحب استكشف منظور الناس و أساليبهم فالحياة و مهما كانت جدلية بعض الأوقات و غير مريحة، فالحياة مراقبة و فهم و تعلم فالنهاية و إحترام في الأساس.
لفترة طويلة جدا كان عندي فضول حول البوذية و تعاليمها و كيف الراهب البوذي قادر على ترك كل ملذّات الحياة هذه و الانعزال، بحثت كثيرًا عن البوذية و أساليبها و اكتشفت وجود طوائف عديدة و معلومات أخرى، قررت ابدا بكتاب سماعي و عن دوقين كونه يبحث على التعاليم الأصيلة للبوذا و الزين و بداية التلميذ دارما و كيف تدارسوا جيل بعد جيل هذه التعاليم الأصيلة.
أحب استكشف منظور الناس و أساليبهم فالحياة و مهما كانت جدلية بعض الأوقات و غير مريحة، فالحياة مراقبة و فهم و تعلم فالنهاية و إحترام في الأساس.
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July 24, 2022I did not technically finish... my book club quit. This Dogen guy had his head in the clouds... right now I need to have my head on the earth, I think.
April 24, 2017
Essential for anyone into the study of Japanese Buddhist thought. Thought provoking and plenty to have some comparative philosophical discourse, in particular Dōgen's philosophy of mind placed through the lens of the Dharma. Reading this book makes me think why I didn't study it more when I was in University, maybe in the future if I decide to go back to University for graduate school.
I should also note that this is book one of four (I think), so technically I am only done one fourth of the Shobogenzo.
I should also note that this is book one of four (I think), so technically I am only done one fourth of the Shobogenzo.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 12 reviews