Treasury of the True Dharma Eye: Zen Master Dogen's Shobo Genzo

(Hardback)

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"This monumental work is considered to be one of the most profound expressions of Zen wisdom ever put on paper, and also the outstanding literary and philosophical work of Japan. It is a collection of essays by Eihei Dogen (1200-1253), founder of Zen's Soto school." The complete English translation of one of the great Zen classics and works of Japanese literature, by the founder of the Soto school-now in a single volume Treasury of the True Dharma Eye (Shobo Genzo, in Japanese) is a monumental work, considered to be one of the profoundest expressions of Zen wisdom ever put on paper, and also the most outstanding literary and philosophical work of Japan. It is a collection of essays by Eihei Dogen (1200-1253), founder of Zen's Soto school. Kazuaki Tanahashi and a team of translators that represent a Who's Who of American Zen have produced a translation of the great work that combines accuracy with a deep understanding of Dogen's voice and literary gifts. This edition includes a wealth of materials to aid understanding, including maps, lineage charts, a bibliography, and an exhaustive glossary of names and terms-and, as a bonus, the most renowned of all Dogen's essays, "Recommending Zazen to All People."

Reviews

A vast, beautiful translation of the master work of the Japanese genius Dogen Zenji. English-speaking practitioners will be indebted to Kaz Tanahashi and his associates for this truly magnificent teaching, an indispensable contribution to Zen letters.Peter Matthiessen (Muryo Roshi)

A deeply considered and deeply relevant text. Shambhalas publication of Kazuaki Tanahashis translation of the complete text of Eihei Dogens Shobo Genzo marks a watershed moment for Western Buddhism. With the Tanahashi version, it appears we now have an edition that will receive the sort of attention this great work deserves. Tanahashis effort to preserve the particular Japanese difficulty of Dogens poetic prose, aided by the excellent work of the poet and Zen teacher Peter Levitt, emphasizes the texts ambiguity, multiplicity, and resonance of meaning more effectively than other versions.Norman Fischer, Tricycle


Kaz Tanahashi, a renowned translator of Dogen and noted artist, has put together an outstanding team of co-translators to create a complete rendering of Dogens magnum opus, the Shobo Genzo. This publication, which will be in great demand by all scholars, students, and practitioners of Zen Buddhism and Eastern thought more generally, is both accurate and accessible in following the original text literally while capturing the spirit of Dogens poetic genius. Although there are numerous versions of the work available in English, this new edition is sure to be the one turned to and cited consistently by knowledgeable readers.Steven Heine, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of Asian Studies, Florida International University, author of Zen Skin, Zen Marrow and Opening a Mountain: Koans of the Zen Masters

Reading over Treasury of the True Dharma Eye: Zen Master Dogens Shobo Genzo, I am astonished first by the incredible range and variety of Dogens writings, and second by the immense task that has been done to translate this major text. With the possible exception of Hakuins complete writings, there is nothing in Japanese Zen to equal the immense breadth and depth of Dogens work, which ranges from direct instructions in simple language to the most complex and profound teachings that use words to go far beyond words. I am convinced that Zen students will find this text especially valuable to contemplate, study, and absorb over the entire course of their lifetimes.Stephen Addiss, author of The Art of Zen

At long last! A discerning, poetic, and, intimate rendering of Dogens true expression of the dharma. Dogens devotees have long awaited Tanahashis complete translation of the Shobogenzo into a contemporary and deeply profound version. Those new to the wisdom of this great teacher as well as those who treasure him will delight in the extraordinary work by our foremost translator and interpreter of Dogens masterpiece.Pat Enkyo OHara, Abbot, Village Zendo, New York, New York
For adventuresome Dharma students of any tradition . . . Dogens writings offer the possibility of a profound exploration into the nature of practice, words, intimacy. This complete and splendid translation, the work of translators deeply immersed in Dharma and three languagesmedieval Japanese, modern Japanese, and Englishis a new atlas for such adventurers.Inquiring Mind

Author Bio

DOGEN (1200-1253) is known as the founder of the Japanese Soto Zen sect. Translator KAZ TANAHASHI is one of the most renowned Zen calligraphers at work today, and one of the most prominent teachers of that art. He is also a Zen practitioner of many years in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi (author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind), and thus is himself in the lineage of Zen Master Dogen. He has published three previous translations of Dogen, as well as Brush Mind, a book about approaching Zen through the practice of art.