The Teachings of Zen Master Dogen

De: Dogen

Narrado por: Gary Snyder

Dogen (1200-1253 C.E.) founded the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. His teachings are the very embodiment of the paradoxical blend of mystery and clarity that characterizes Zen. Dogen's approach to meditation has become perhaps the most influential Eastern spiritual practice in the Western world. The selections in this program are from Moon in a Dewdrop, and were chosen by Gary Snyder.(P)1992 Audio Literature; ©1985 North Point Press

Uneven but rewarding

If you enjoy the paradoxical yet profound teachings of Zen Buddhism, then you'll want to listen to this.

I found both the teachings and the narration a little slow (boring?) until about midway through, when Dogen's teachings became more intellectually interesting, paradoxical and humorous (although it's probably just me).

Definitely not for everybody, but maybe for you.

Valuable expression of Buddhist Thoughts

To the experienced student of Dharma Discourse might take these teachings as daily practice. To the Untrained or Beginner they are challenging Koans and contradictory notions wrapped in enigmas.

However, they are often launching points for reflections on Nature and the Words of the Ancestors.

Three Stars ***

Not Review

Over 30 years ago, my very first introduction to anything buddhist was Dogen. I still have yet to barely scratch the surface. I have always liked the fact that, just when I thought I have understood something, reading further dismantles that.

For the time-being

Any additional comments?

This is for some one a little farther down the path. Understanding basic Buddhist concepts is an absolute prerequisite. To the average western person this may sound baffling and nothing but gibberish, however to the experienced mediator who has gained insight this shines like the rays of a million suns and opens the gate of the gateless gate. Truly Zen in it's finest form. I have listened to this three times over periods of time and a forth listen is certainly in the future.

Accessible

If you could sum up The Teachings of Zen Master Dogen in three words, what would they be?

What about Gary Snyder’s performance did you like?

The reading is clean and concise. No sense of pretention or sanctimony. Snyder has opened my dharma ear.

Any additional comments?

I've always had difficulty reading Dogen; he just didn't make sense. Listening to him being read has been a revelation! His meaning is becoming more and more clear and I'm really beginning to like him. A lot.