Dogen's Shobogenzo Zuimonki: The New Annotated Translation—Also Including Dogen's Waka Poetry with Commentary

by Dōgen, Shohaku Okumura (Translator)

The clearest and most approachable teachings from Dogen, the most famous thinker and writer in Zen Buddhism.

Discover the teachings of the preeminent Zen Master Dogen in his own words, written down by his Dharma successor, Koun Ejo. This edition includes both the Shobogenzo Zuimonki and translations of and commentary on Dogen’s luminously evocative waka poetry. 

Distinct from Dogen’s similarly titled magnum opus (simply called the Shobogenzo), the Shobogenzo Zuimonki can be read as a highly practical manual of Buddhist practice. Consisting of straightforward and accessible teachings and making more limited use of the allusion, wordplay, and metaphor that characterize the essays in the Shobogenzo, this work is an essential read for any student of Zen Buddhism. Among the many topics covered, Dogen especially emphasizes the following seeing impermanence, departing from the ego-centered self, being free from greed, giving up self-attachment, following the guidance of a true teacher, and the practice of zazen, specifically shikantaza, or “just sitting.” Additionally, this translation of the Shobogenzo Zuimonki has extensive notes, which help to provide you with a new way of approaching the text. 

The collection of waka poems included in this volume are a beautiful artistic expression of the Dharma. Rarely seen in this large of a collection or with commentary, this poetry offers unique insight into an important expression of Dogen’s teachings. 

By the spring wind
my words are blown and scattered
people may see them
the song of flowers

These teachings, which have informed teachers and practitioners alike throughout the centuries, will deepen your knowledge, understanding, and experience of the Soto Zen tradition.

Genres: Buddhism

512 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2022

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

[Barrett Brassfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's remarkable to me how essential I find what we have of Dogen's writings. I first read a collection called Moon in a Dewdrop when I was new to buddhism study and it stayed with me. For the present collection, I've returned to it in slow bits over the last half year, taking the time to reflect on the reading and seeing how that might influence my own practice. For those interested in the school of zen that focuses on 'just sitting', the soto zen tradition, Dogen's writings are a must read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more accessible read than the Shobogenzo. Every zen practitioner, especially of the Soto school, must read this work by Dogen Zenji at least once.

Love it that the original texts in Japanese are provided, allowing readers to practise their Japanese reading skills.