Moon in a Dewdrop Writings of Zen Master Dogen

by Dogen, Eihei; Tanahashi, Kazuaki; Aitken, Robert; Anderson, Reb; Brown, Ed; Fischer, Norman; Kotler, Arnold; Leighton, Daniel; Richmond, Lew; Schneider, David; Tanahashi, Kazuaki; Thanas, Katherine; Unger, Brian; Weitsman, Mel; Welch, Dan; Whalen, Ph

• ISBN13: 9780865471863
• ISBN10: 086547186X
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1995-10-31
• Publisher: North Point Pr

Summary

Eihei Dogen (1200-1253), among the first to transmit Zen Buddhism from China to Japan and founder of the important Soto School, was not only a profoundly influential and provocative Zen philosopher but also one of the most stimulating figures in Japanese letters. Kazuaki Tanahashi, collaborating with several other Zen authorities, has produced sensitive and accurate translations of Dogen's most important texts.Moon in a Dewdropcontains the key essays of the great master, as well as extensive background materials that will help Western readers to approach this significant work. There is also a selection of Dogen's poetry, most of which has not appeared in English translation before. Dogen's thought runs counter to conventional logic, employing paradoxical language and startling imagery. It illuminates such fundamental concerns as the nature of time, existence, life, death, the self, and what is beyond self. Kazuaki Tanahashi's publications includePenetrating Laughter: Hakuin's Zen and Art,Enku: Sculptor of a Hundred Thousand Buddhas, andJapanese Design Motifs. Eihei Dogen (1200-1253), among the first to transmit Zen Buddhism from China to Japan and founder of the important Soto School, was not only a profoundly influential and provocative Zen philosopher but also one of the most stimulating figures in Japanese letters. Dogen's thought runs counter to conventional logic, employing paradoxical language and startling imagery. It illuminates such fundamental concerns as the nature of time, existence, life, death, the self, and what is beyond self. Kazuaki Tanahashi, collaborating with several other Zen authorities, has produced sensitive and accurate translations of Dogen's most important texts.Moon in a Dewdropcontains the key essays of the great master, as well as extensive background materials that will help Western readers to approach this significant work, The book also offers a selection of Dogen's poetry, most of which has not appeared in English translation before. "Moon in a Dewdropis empty and clear at the same time, like the reflection of the moon in a drop of water."San Francisco Chronicle "Kazuaki Tanahashi and his colleagues at the San Francisco Zen Center . . . have given us an accessible and comprehensive Dogen in English."Vajradhatu Sun "Kazuaki Tanahashi . . . has preserved Dogen's spirit and character in his careful and comprehensive translations."East West

Author Biography

Kazuaki Tanahashi's publications include Penetrating Laughter: Hakuin's Zen and Art, Enku: Sculptor of a Hundred Thousand Buddhas, and Japanese Design Motifs.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments	v
Abbreviations, Transliteration, Systems of Counting, and Capitalization	xi
Introduction	3	(1)
The Life of Zen Master Dogen	3	(9)
Dogen's Teaching	12	(17)
PART ONE: Practical Instructions
Rules for Zazen	29	(2)
Zazen-gi
Guidelines for Studying the Way	31	(13)
Gakudo Yojin-shu
Bodhisattva's Four Methods of Guidance	44	(5)
Bodaisatta Shisho-ho
Regulations for the Auxiliary Cloud Hall	49	(4)
Juundo-shiki
Instruction for the Tenzo	53	(16)
Tenzo Kyokun
PART TWO: Philosophical Works
Actualizing the Fundamental Point	69	(5)
Genjo Koan
Birth and Death	74	(2)
Shoji
The Time-Being	76	(8)
Uji
Undivided Activity	84	(3)
Zenki
Body-and-Mind Study of the Way	87	(10)
Shinjin Gakudo
PART THREE: Poetic Imagery
Mountains and Waters Sutra	97	(11)
Sansui-kyo
Spring and Autumn	108	(6)
Shunju
Plum Blossoms	114	(10)
Baika
Everyday Activity	124	(5)
Kajo
The Moon	129	(5)
Tsuki
Painting of a Rice-cake	134	(9)
Gabyo
PART FOUR: Transmission of the Teaching
On the Endeavor of the Way	143	(18)
Bendo-wa
Only Buddha and Buddha	161	(7)
Yuibutsu Yobutsu
Twining Vines	168	(7)
Katto
Face-to-Face Transmission	175	(9)
Menju
Buddha Ancestors	184	(2)
Busso
Document of Heritage	186	(11)
Shisho
All-Inclusive Study	197	(6)
Henzan
Going beyond Buddha	203	(10)
Bukkojoji
PART FIVE: Poems
Waka Poems	213	(3)
Chinese-style Poems	216	(25)
APPENDIXES
Appendix A: ``Reading the Record of Eihei Dogen'' by Ryokan	223	(2)
Appendix B: Chinese Transliteration: Comparative Table	225	(6)
Appendix C: Maps	231	(3)
Appendix D: Lineage Charts of Chinese Zen Masters	234	(7)
Notes	241	(14)
Selected Bibliography	255	(2)
Glossary and Index	257