Dogen: Japan's Original Zen Teacher

(Paperback)

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An essential introduction to the life, writings, and legacy of one of Japan's most prolific Buddhist masters. The founder of the Soto school of Zen in Japan, Eihei Dogen (1200-1253) is one of the most influential Buddhist teachers of all time. Although Dogen's writings have reached wide prominence among contemporary Buddhists and philosophers, there is much that remains enigmatic about his life and writings. In Dogen- Japan's Original Zen Teacher, respected Dogen scholar and translator Steven Heine offers a nuanced portrait of the master's historical context, life, and work, paying special attention to issues such as- . The nature of the "great doubt" that motivated Dogen's religious quest . The sociopolitical turmoil of Kamakura Japan that led to dynamic innovations in medieval Japanese Buddhism . The challenges and transformations Dogen experienced during his pivotal time in China . Key inflection points and unresolved questions regarding Dogen's teaching career in Japan . Ongoing controversies in the scholarly interpretations of Dogen's biography and teachings Synthesizing a lifetime of research and reflection into an accessible narrative, this new addition to the Lives of the Masters series illuminates thought-provoking perspectives on Dogen's character and teachings, as well as his relevance to contemporary practitioners.

Reviews

An extraordinary and fascinating exploration of Zen Master Eihei Dogens life and works done by scholar Steven Heine, who has unwrapped Dogens legacy bravely, richly, and skillfully.Joan Halifax, author of Being with Dying and Standing at the Edge

Heines definitive research illuminates the life and creative process of a towering thinkera Zen monk who initiated an uncompromised monastic tradition in Japan almost eight hundred years ago and whose work begins to shed light on issues of our time worldwide.Kazuaki Tanahashi, editor of Treasury of the True Dharma Eye: Zen Master Dogens Shobo Genzo

Steven Heine has condensed decades of scholarship into this precise, concise, and remarkably engaging read. His study goes deeper and farther than the average introduction to the life and work of Zen master Dogen (12001253). Heine offers new critical insights into the many myths and legends that animate Dogens medieval biographies, and he provides an extremely helpful chronological analysis of almost all of Dogens works, including his main collections and overlooked miscellanea. Heines original translations and final reflections upon Dogens lasting legacy today are thought-provoking and sure to prove inspiring to Zen studentsat any levelwho wish to make the lessons of a great pioneering mind present in the world today.Pamela D. Winfield, author of Icons and Iconoclasm in Japanese Buddhism: Kukai and Dogen on the Art of Enlightenment

Based on his lifetime of research, Heine offers a superb introduction to Dogens life and work. By exploring Dogens vast oeuvre, he illuminates Dogens fascinating thought on enlightenment and understanding of Buddhist practice. Dogen: Japans Original Zen Teacher is a highly recommended read for all Zen practitioners as well as scholars in Buddhist and Japanese studies.Michaela Mross, Assistant Professor in Religious Studies, Stanford University

Shedding light on the historical and geographical contexts that gave way to Dogens philosophy of Zen, Heine also offers new insights by debunking some misconceptions about Dogen while candidly highlighting key questions that remain unanswered to this day. . . . Heine successfully engages the reader in re-exploring and re-evaluating the famous master Dogen, whose legacy to Zen Buddhism is undeniable.Buddhistdoor Global

More than just a biographical introduction to an important thinker, Heine gives us detailed analyses of Dogens major works, provides some original translations of lesser-known writings as well as devoting a whole chapter to them, and situates Dogen in the modern Buddhist world. He does this with wit, consummate scholarship, and a very accessible style.Asian Review of Books

Heine embarks upon the path of storytelling, guiding the reader through the life, works, thoughts, encounters, teachings, and legacy of Zen master Dgen. . . . Dogen: Japans Original Zen Teacher will feel intriguingly personal in style from its early pages. Heine combines decades of expertise in Dgen studies with his role as a writer, providing readers with a thoroughly researched and well written account of the Zen masters life and teaching.Journal of Buddhist Ethics

Author Bio

STEVEN HEINE is a scholar in the field of Zen Buddhist history and thought, particularly the life and teachings of Dogen. He has also taught and published extensively on Japanese religion and society in worldwide perspectives. He is Director of Florida International University's Asian Studies Program.