Unfathomable Depths: Drawing Wisdom for Today from a Classical Zen Poem

by Sekkei Harada, Daigaku Rumme (Translator), Heiko Narrog (Introduction), Hongliang Gu (Introduction)

Overview

Navigate a forgotten classic poem and enrich your practice with famed Zen master Sekkei Harada.

Three of the most pressing issues in any discussion of modern Zen are the true nature and function of Dharma transmission, how to appropriately practice with koans, and how to understand the "just sitting" of Soto Zen. Zen master Sekkei Harada uses the enigmatic "Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth" as the basis of his practical and theoretical discussion of these concerns. Unfathomable Depths presents a concise treatment of Soto theory and practice, while delivering approachable and workable advice from one of Zen's most esteemed teachers. Rooting himself in Tong'an Changcha's classical poem, Harada intimately speaks to the world of Zen today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781614290834
Publisher:	Wisdom Publications MA
Publication date:	12/02/2014
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	722,314
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Sekkei Harada is the abbot of Hosshinji, a Soto Zen training monastery and temple, in Fukui Prefecture, near the coast of central Japan. He was born in 1926 in Okazaki, near Nagoya, and was ordained at Hosshinji in 1951. In 1953, he went to Hamamatsu to practice under Zen Master Gien Inoue, and received inkashomei (certification of realization) in 1957. In 1974, he was installed as resident priest and abbot of Hosshinji and was formally recognized by the Soto Zen sect as a certified Zen master (shike) in 1976. Since 1982, Harada has traveled abroad frequently, teaching in such countries as Germany, France, the United States, and India. He also leads zazen groups within Japan, in Tokyo and Saitama. From 2003-2005, he was Director of the Soto Zen Buddhism Europe Office located in Milan.

Daigaku Rumme was born in 1950 in Mason, City Iowa, USA. In 1976, he entered Hosshinji as a layman and was ordained by Harada Roshi in 1978. He lived and practiced at Hosshinji until 2003. On several occasions he accompanied Harada on his visits to Europe, India, and the United States, as his interpreter. Since 2003, Rumme has been on the staff of the Soto Zen Buddhism International Center located in San Francisco.

Table of Contents

Translators' Preface vii

Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth 3

I Introduction Heiko Narrog Hongliang Gu

The Text 11

The Author 15

The Title and an Overview of the Text 31

Tong'an Changcha's Verses and Sekkei Harada's Dharma Lectures 43

II Commentary on the Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth Sekkei Harada

Prologue: Master Tong'an and the Verses of Unfathomable Depth 55

1 The Mind Seal 63

2 The Mind of the Enlightened Ones 77

3 The Unfathomable Function 91

4 The Transcendent within Dust and Dirt 111

5 The Buddhist Teaching 125

6 The Song of Returning Home 135

7 The Song of Not Returning Home 147

8 The Revolving Function 159

9 Changing Ranks 171

10 Before the Rank of the Absolute 183

Appendix I Chinese Edition of the Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth 195

Appendix II Contemporary Comments on the Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth 199

Table 1 List of Personal Names 209

Table 2 List of Texts Cited 213

Notes 219

References 225

Index 229

About the Author and Translators 253

Editorial Reviews

"An important contribution to contemporary Zen literature."

Kyogen Carlson

"A celebration is called for now that this important poem and Zen Master Harada Sekkei’s commentary has arrived in English. This volume will serve as a guide for Zen students for many generations to come."

Setsuan Gaelyn Godwin

A veteran Zen teacher explains the proper role of scholarly study in support of zazen practice and the necessity of determined effort.

Victor Hori