Moon In a Dewdrop: Writings of Zen Master Dogen

by Eihei Dogen, Kazuaki Tanahashi (Editor), Robert Aitken (Translator), Reb Anderson (Translator), Ed Brown (Translator)

Overview

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 Dewdrop contains 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780865471863
Publisher:	Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date:	10/31/1995
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	394,912
Product dimensions:	6.15(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.95(d)

About the Author

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 Acknowledgements
Abbreviations, Transliteration, Systems of Counting, and Capitalization
Introduction: The Life of Zen Master Dogen and Dogen's Teaching

PART ONE: PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS
Rules for Zazen (Zazen-gi)
Guidelines for Studying the Way (Gakudo Yojin-shu)
Bodhisattva's Four Methods of Guideance (Bodaisatta Shisho-ho)
Regulations for the Auxiliary Cloud Hall (Juundo-shiki)
Instructions for the Tenzo (Tenzo Kyokun)

PART TWO: PHILOSOPHICAL WORKS
Actualizing the Fundamental Point (Genjo Koan)
Birth and Death (Shoji)
The Time-Being (Uji)
Undivided Activity (Zenki)
Body-and-Mind Study of the Way (Shinjin Gakudo)

PART THREE: POETIC IMAGERY
Mountains and WAters Sutra (Sansui-kyo)
Spring and Autumn (Shunju)
Plum Blossoms (Baika)
Everyday Activity (Kajo)
The Moon (Tsuki)
Painting of a Rice-cake (Gabyo)

PART FOUR: TRANSMISSION OF TEACHING
On the Endeavor of the Way (Bendo-wa)
Only Buddha and Buddha (Yuibutsu Yobutsu)
Twining Vines (Katto)
Face-to-Face Transmission (Menju)
Buddha Ancestors (Busso)
Document of Heritage (Shisho)
All-Inclusive Study (Henzan)
Going beyond Buddha (Bukkojoji)

PART FIVE: POEMS
Waka Poems
Chinese-style Poems

APPENDIXES
Appendix A: "Reading the Record of Eihei Dogen" by Ryokan
Appendix B: Chinese Transliteration: Comparative Table
Appendix C: Maps
Appendix D: Lineage Charts of Chinese Zen Masters

Notes
Selected Bibliography
Glossary and Index

Editorial Reviews

Moon in a Dewdrop is 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

From the Publisher