The Light That Shines through Infinity: Zen and the Energy of Life

by Dainin Katagiri

A Zen Buddhist perspective on the universal flow of cosmic energy and how to incorporate that energy into one's life and spiritual practice--from one of the most revered figures in American Zen.

The universe is alive with a dynamic energy that creates and sustains our lives.  It surrounds us, flows through us, and is available to us in every moment.  Spiritual practice, according to Dainin Katagiri Roshi, is about aligning ourselves with this ever-present life force--sometimes referred to as chi, qi, or ki. This collection, edited from his talks, focuses on cosmic energy as it relates to all aspects of Zen practice.  With references to classic texts and personal stories that bring the teachings to life, The Light That Shines through Infinity is also a powerful antidote to the notion that practice is in some way about transcending the world around us. It is in fact about nothing other than relating to it compassionately and whole-heartedly.

Genres: Zen, Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Meditation, Philosophy, Japan

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[David Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katagiri describes that reality beautifully in this new book of his lectures, compiled by his student Andrea Martin, who also did the earlier Each Moment Is the Universe. Katagiri died in 1990, and at the time of his death had published only one book, but there have been three published since he died; he left behind an archive of recorded talks, and people are still working on them. Andrea Martin in particular has been a faithful steward of his work—she became his student in 1978—and has rearranged talks and simplified them to make them more comprehensible (Katagiri’s English wasn’t great, and his talks could be repetitive and convoluted).

I’ve always thought of Katagiri as a difficult teacher, and was stunned when I came across the first chapter of this book on the Shambhala website and found it almost lyrical, penetrating to the heart of Zen practice. Some chapters are better than others, but chapter after chapter returns to this lyrical simplicity. A few paragraphs from the first chapter set the tone.

“Shakyamuni Buddha taught that a magnificent event is unfolding in every aspect of everyday life. Vivid, living energy is constantly at work, creating and supporting your life. It is just like a fire that is eternal and boundless. Whoever you are, your life is very precious because the original energy of life is working in your life.

“We study and practice Buddhist teachings in order to go deep into our own life. There you discover your original place, the place where all beings live together in peace before we exist as individual beings. From that place you can join the flow of life . . .

“But whatever you do—Buddhist practice, Christian practice, or nonreligious practice—when you become aware of the magnificent energy of being arising in your body and mind, you feel fully alive. You are boundless and broad, compassionate and kind. This is the guideline for living as a human being.”

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[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superb book on Zen. You can’t read one book on Zen and know Zen. But this book does a fabulous job on peeling back the many layered aspect’s of Zen. Its simplicity and gentle journey through this great topic is divine. I recommend reading it slowly & thoughtfully.

[Joe Hay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to Katagiri Roshi's thinking and personality. Though it is presented in little talks on various topics relating to zen practice and the zen tradition, the common threads are visible throughout - his commitment to dharma and his understanding of it as the fundamental energy of life, as mentioned in the title.

Katagiri is energetic, aggressive, hopeful, and passionate, and the book conveys his infectious personality very well - it's very inspiring.

The title is actually not very helpful - this is not about cultivating the energy of life. It's a book, generally speaking, about what dharma is and the zen outlook on life. "Cultivating" makes the book sound more practical than it is - it is not practical in structure at all. Though of course you could incorporate Katagiri's teachings into your practice very easy.

I would say it's worth reading for experienced zen practitioners only. Beginners will be lost. Because it's a collection of random lectures, it doesn't introduce its topics very coherently - you have to understand what he's alluding to at least a little. I also don't think the subject matter is helpful or interesting unless you have attempted to practice zen for at least several months consistently.

Finally, I would say there were 3 or 4 chapters that bored me entirely and didn't offer anything I found interesting, but it wasn't enough to drag the whole book down. I'll be reading again at some point in the future.

[Steve Urick · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are transcribed for talks that the Zen Buddhist teacher gave in the US, where he lived for many years. I liked his metaphors and explanations on the whole, and his constant reminders not to get caught by the metaphors or explanations. I might be misquoting but he had something about 2coming back to zero" that resonated with me. He has a very encouraging style, which I suppose is not surprising, as these talks were probably given both to deepen the understanding of people practicing with him and encouraging them to practice.

[Tom Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Zen books I have read, for beginners or more advanced students of the Way.

In sum: Just live your life! Everything is Buddha, including you. Touch life deeply by living in harmony with it.

[Jonn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One to return to - deceptively simple but there is a lot here and I don’t think it can be fully absorbed in a single read. He has a very beautiful way of stating things and talking about life and the universe.

[Ridgewalker · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is much about Zen Buddhism that I find beautiful and this book touches nicely on these things. There were other parts of this book that lost me though, and were beyond me.

[Michael Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful, simple, and easy to read.

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing here the similarity between practice with 'energy of life' and Vajrayana helped to see Zen Buddhism in fresh light and deepen appreciation for it, and life. I found similarities with Christian teaching on holy Spirit, or Spirit, also.

I have read books on Zen over the years, and some of the classics, and this was the most enjoyable, inspiring, and informative in a practical way.

I would welcome more reading of the author, and recommend this book for persons wishing to explore the relation between basic life-energy and everyday life. I found the book to embody the subject-matter; i.e., the book had a flow to it, invigorating, more important than degree of conceptual understanding.

[Heather Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mildly confusing at times, but very good.

I took a lot of very good messages from this book. It’s a little hard to keep up with some of the more contradictory parts of it and you may find yourself going back to re-read a paragraph to make another attempt at understanding what you just read, but the perspective is very helpful. I do recommend this book.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Zen thinking in this book is sound. Interpretations on Dōgen abound, but I think the interesting perspectives come from the author’s narrative on zazen, satori, samadhi, and other Buddhist concepts.