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Master Dogen's Zazen Meditation Handbook: A Translation of Eihei Dogen's Bendowa: A Discourse on the Practice of Zazen — Sacred Texts

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Master Dogen's Zazen Meditation Handbook: A Translation of Eihei Dogen's Bendowa: A Discourse on the Practice of Zazen

Name: Master Dogen's Zazen Meditation Handbook: A Translation of Eihei Dogen's Bendowa: A Discourse on the Practice of Zazen
Price: 14.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9784805316924

✍️ Dogen, Eihei

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A translation and commentary on Eihei Dogen's 1231 foundational text regarding Soto Zen seated meditation.

This volume pairs Eihei Dogen's historical 1231 discourse on zazen with explanations by twentieth-century Zen master Kosho Uchiyama Roshi. Dogen outlines the fundamental practice of seated meditation, while the second section uses a question-and-answer format to clear up common doubts held by novices. Uchiyama Roshi clarifies complex concepts, dharma, and core Buddhist philosophy through direct, practical examples. The text serves readers who want an authentic, detailed look into early Japanese Soto Zen lineage and meditative discipline.

Key Themes

seated meditation practice wondrous dharma concepts novice zen dialogues

Literary Context

Written in 1231 Japan, Bendowa is the initial chapter of Shobogenzo, establishing the Soto Zen school. This edition combines medieval Japanese Buddhist foundations with twentieth-century commentary from Kyoto's Antai-ji temple tradition.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Thich Nhat Hanh · Shunryu Suzuki · Alan Watts · D.T. Suzuki

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Sacred Texts

Praise for this book

“Dogen's famous text on Zen practice comes alive in the hands of a modern meditation master....The translation well captures the sense of Dogen's original text and the clarity and humanity that made Uchiyama Roshi one of the most attractive Zen teachers.”

— Carl Bielefeldt, Professor of Religious Studies, Stanford University

🏛 Tuttle Publishing 📅 2022 📖 224 pages 🌐 en 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9784805316924

Fun Fact

Dogen's "Bendowa" is an essential text for anyone seeking a rigorous, yet deeply compassionate, introduction to Soto Zen. This definitive translation illuminates the profound simplicity of zazen, making the master's teachings accessible without diluting their power. It excels in clarifying the often-misunderstood concept of 'just sitting.' While invaluable for serious students, those looking for quick spiritual fixes or a broad survey of meditation techniques might find its single-minded focus challenging. It firmly establishes its place as a foundational pillar in the literature of Buddhist practice.

📝 Description: Master Dogen's Zazen Meditation Handbook: A Translation of Eihei Dogen's Bendowa: A Discourse on the Practice of Zazen

Eihei Dogen, the thirteenth-century founder of Japan's Soto Zen school, authored Bendowa in 1231 as the opening chapter to his masterwork, Shobogenzo. This 224-page hardcover volume presents a translation of that foundational text on zazen, paired with commentary by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, a twentieth-century Soto priest, origami master, and Antai-ji temple abbot. The text opens by addressing the wondrous dharma, human connection to society, time, and interrelation. It then shifts into a dialogue format, answering questions a novice might ask about sitting meditation, combining zazen with other practices, and maintaining dedication alongside everyday obligations. Uchiyama Roshi provides contemporary insights that unpack Dogen's terminology and address common comprehension struggles, framing Buddhist philosophy around concrete realities rather than abstract theory. Stanford professor Carl Bielefeldt notes that the translation captures the clarity and humanity of Uchiyama Roshi's teaching. The volume suits readers seeking traditional Soto Zen instruction and practical commentary on seated meditation. It does not suit those looking for broad overviews of non-Zen traditions or general mindfulness guides unrelated to Dogen's historical lineage.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This translation presents Dogen’s seminal discourse with clarity, making it an indispensable resource for serious students of Soto Zen. The dialogue format effectively tackles the doubts inherent in early practice, grounding abstract concepts like time and connection in actionable meditation. However, readers seeking a light, introductory overview or casual self-help advice will likely find this text too dense and philosophically rigorous. It demands patience and a willingness to engage with foundational Buddhist metaphysics rather than offering quick fixes. It is strictly for those ready to commit to the rigorous, direct path Dogen outlines.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a profound connection to the roots of Zen Buddhism will find immense value in this handbook. It is ideal for those who feel overwhelmed by complex rituals and wish to uncover the profound simplicity of seated meditation. Dogen’s discourse addresses the uncertainties novices face, offering clarity on our cosmic place and the nature of time. By exploring the 'wondrous dharma,' practitioners gain a direct understanding of awakening without unnecessary intellectual baggage. This book is essential for anyone committed to the singular route of zazen, providing a steadfast guide through the intricate dance of spiritual practice and self-discovery.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

For those serious about exploring authentic Zen Buddhism, particularly the Soto tradition, and committed to a disciplined meditation practice. If you seek foundational wisdom on zazen directly from a master, this text will illuminate your path and deepen your understanding.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This translation presents Dogen’s seminal discourse with clarity, making it an indispensable resource for serious students of Soto Zen. The dialogue format effectively tackles the doubts inherent in early practice, grounding abstract concepts like time and connection in actionable meditation. However, readers seeking a light, introductory overview or casual self-help advice will likely find this text too dense and philosophically rigorous. It demands patience and a willingness to engage with foundational Buddhist metaphysics rather than offering quick fixes. It is strictly for those ready to commit to the rigorous, direct path Dogen outlines.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Dogen posits zazen not just as a means to an end, but as the direct manifestation of enlightenment itself. It is the activity where the practitioner is already Buddha, embodying the awakened state in the present moment, making it the singular, essential practice.

While Dogen emphasizes zazen as the complete path, "Bendowa" addresses the integration of practice into daily life, implying that the insights gained through zazen permeate all activities. The text's dialogic nature allows for nuanced understanding of how it relates to one's broader spiritual journey.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Zazen as the Sole Path

Dogen unequivocally presents zazen, seated meditation, not merely as a technique but as the complete expression of enlightenment itself. The book meticulously explains why this seemingly simple act is the fundamental and all-encompassing practice for realizing the Buddha Way, challenging conventional notions of gradual spiritual progress.

Interconnectedness & Dharma

The text introduces the profound concept of "wondrous dharma," exploring how all existence is interconnected. Dogen elucidates the individual's role within society and the universe, emphasizing the seamless flow of time and the intricate web of relationships that define our experience, all revealed through meditative insight.

Practical Guidance for Seekers

Structured in part as a candid dialogue, "Bendowa" anticipates and answers common queries from aspiring Zen students. It addresses practical concerns like integrating meditation with daily responsibilities, understanding zazen's centrality, and exploring its relationship with other spiritual disciplines, making it profoundly accessible to modern practitioners.

📜 Historical context

Penned in 1231, Dogen's "Bendowa" arrived during a pivotal era for Buddhism in Japan, as Zen began to firmly establish itself. As the architect of the Soto school, Dogen brought a radical emphasis on zazen as 'just sitting,' distinguishing his approach from other contemporary Buddhist traditions. This work stands as a cornerstone of Soto Zen, articulating its core philosophy and practice with timeless clarity.

📚 Glossary

Zazen
Bendowa
Soto Zen

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a time when a seemingly 'passive' activity led to a profound insight or realization for you. How does this experience resonate with Dogen's teachings on zazen?
Dogen discusses the 'wondrous dharma' and interconnectedness. How do you perceive your own 'individual role' within the broader tapestry of society and the natural world?
Consider your daily responsibilities. How might the principles of focused, present-moment awareness, as found in zazen, be applied to transform these tasks into opportunities for deeper practice?