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

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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: 15.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (2 reviews)
Author: Dogen, Eihei
ISBN: 9784805316924

Dogen, Eihei

Reader rating

4.6

(1 reviews) 123 sold

$15.00

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the profound simplicity of zazen, the direct path to enlightenment from Zen's foundational master.

Eihei Dogen's seminal text, "Bendowa" (On the Endeavor of the Way), offers an indispensable guide to zazen, or seated meditation, as the singular route to awakening. Authored in 1231, this work by the founder of Japan's Soto Zen school distills the essence of Buddhist practice. It delves into the concept of "wondrous dharma," exploring our place in the cosmos and the intricate dance of time and connection. Presented partly as a dialogue, "Bendowa" directly addresses the crucial questions and uncertainties a novice practitioner might encounter on their spiritual journey.

Key themes

Zazen as the Sole Path Interconnectedness & Dharma Practical Guidance for Seekers

Historical context

This text originates from the foundational era of Japan's Soto Zen school, established by Eihei Dogen in the thirteenth century. It serves as a seminal doctrinal work that defines the tradition's core practice of zazen as the direct path to enlightenment.

Difficulty

●●● Demanding

Fans will love it

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

📿 Sacred Texts

🏛 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

"Dogen's famous text on Zen practice comes alive in the hands of a modern meditation master." --Carl Biefeldt, Professor of Religious Studies, Stanford University and author of Dogen's Manuals of Zen Meditation This is the definitive English translation of a foundational work of Zen Buddhism--the Bendowa ("On the Endeavor of the Way") by Eihei Dogen, founder of the Soto school of Zen in Japan. Written in 1231, it contains the master's essential teachings on zazen, or seated meditation, which is the fundamental pathway to Buddhist enlightenment. The first part of the book introduces the notion of "wondrous dharma" and looks at the role of the individual to society and notions of time and interconnection. The second part of the work is cast in the form of a dialogue, the Q&A format offering answers to questions a Zen novice might pose regarding the paths to enlightenment: How can passively sitting being a means of attaining enlightenment? Why is sitting so key to meditation? Can seated meditation be combined with other practices? How can I maintain a practice that accords with my other responsibilities in life? What sets this edition apart are the contemporary insights by modern Zen master Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, which tackle some of the difficulties readers face in comprehending Dogen's guidance and demystify some of the terms and concepts central to an understanding of zazen practice and Buddhist philosophy. He discusses the notion of dharma as presented in the text and looks at Buddhist thought through the lens not of abstraction, but in terms of its concrete realities.

💎 Expert review

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💎

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.

💬 Quotes from the book

“How can passively sitting being a means of attaining enlightenment?”

“Can seated meditation be combined with other practices?”

📜 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?