In this groundbreaking collection of essays edited by Steven Heine, leading scholars of Buddhism from both sides of the Pacific explore the life and thought of Zen Master Dogen (1200-1253), the founder of the Japanese Soto sect. Through both textual and historical analysis, the volume shows Dogen in context of the Chinese Chan tradition that influenced him and demonstrates the tremendous, lasting impact he had on Buddhist thought and culture in Japan. The essays provide critical new insight into Dogen's writings. Special attention is given to the Shobogenzo and several of its fascicles, which express Dogen's views on such practices and rituals as using supranormal powers (jinzu), reading the sutras (kankin), diligent training in zazen meditation (shikan taza), and the koan realized in everyday life (genjokoan). Dogen: Textual and Historical Studies also analyzes the historical significance of this seminal figure: for instance, Dogen's methods of appropriating Chan sources and his role relative to that of his Japanese Zen predecessor Eisai, considered the founder of the Rinzai sect, who preceded Dogen in traveling to China. This book is a crucial contribution to the advancement of specialized studies of Dogen, as well as to the Chan/Zen school in the context of East Asian religions and their social and historical trends.

About the Author
Professor of Religion and History, and Director of the Institute for Asian Studies, Florida International University

Reviews
Steven Heine has for decades been one of the West's leading scholars in Dogen studies, publishing translations of Dogen's poetry, reflecting on Dogen's philosophy and setting straight the historical record on Dogen. In recent years, many new translations of Dogen's writings have appeared and scholarly publication in the field of Dogen studies has grown dramatically. To bring order to this new scholarship, Heine has brought together in this volume an impressive collection of state-of-the-art essays from leading Dogen scholars. They represent the leading edge in new textual and historical research in Dogen studies. * Victor Sogen Hori, author of Zen Sand *
This well-conceived volume includes numerous essays that will serve the study of Dogen far into the future. * Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199754465
Author Steven Heine
Format Hardback
Page Count 312
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 590g
Dimensions(mm) 157mm * 239mm * 18mm