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Unconventional Commentaries On The Denkoroku: Exploring Hidden Gems in the Tuttle Library of Enlightenment

Jonathan Hayes

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Published in Zen Light: Unconventional Commentaries On The Denkoroku (Tuttle Library Of Enlightenment)

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The Denkoroku, a seminal Zen Buddhist text attributed to the renowned master Dōgen Zenji, has captivated the minds of scholars and practitioners alike for centuries. Its profound teachings on the nature of reality, the practice of meditation, and the path to enlightenment have inspired countless individuals throughout history.

Zen Light: Unconventional Commentaries on the Denkoroku (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment)

by Molefi Kete Asante

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Among the vast corpus of commentaries on the Denkoroku, a select few stand out for their unconventional and often iconoclastic interpretations. These commentaries, penned by Zen masters and scholars from medieval Japan and beyond, challenge established dogma and offer fresh perspectives on Dōgen's enigmatic teachings.

One such commentary is the "Sanjūkaigi," written by the eccentric Zen master Gasan Jōseki (1275-1365). Gasan's commentary is known for its radical departure from traditional interpretations of the Denkoroku. He vehemently rejects the notion of sudden enlightenment, arguing instead that the path to awakening is a gradual and arduous process.

Portrait Of Gasan Jōseki, A Zen Master Known For His Unconventional Commentary On The Denkoroku Zen Light: Unconventional Commentaries On The Denkoroku (Tuttle Library Of Enlightenment)

Gasan's iconoclasm is evident in his interpretation of Dōgen's famous teaching of "shikantaza," or "just sitting." While many commentators emphasize the importance of silent meditation as a means to attain enlightenment, Gasan insists that true meditation involves a dynamic engagement with the world. He advocates for a practice that encompasses all aspects of life, from everyday activities to formal zazen.

Another unconventional commentary on the Denkoroku is the "Kōmyōshū," written by the lay scholar Ichijō Kanera (1402-1481). Kanera's commentary is notable for its synthesis of Zen Buddhism with Neo-Confucianism, a dominant philosophy in medieval Japan. He argues that the teachings of the Denkoroku can be reconciled with the Confucian emphasis on social harmony and moral cultivation.

Portrait Of Ichijō Kanera, A Lay Scholar Who Wrote An Unconventional Commentary On The Denkoroku, Synthesizing Zen Buddhism And Neo Confucianism Zen Light: Unconventional Commentaries On The Denkoroku (Tuttle Library Of Enlightenment)

Kanera's interpretation reflects the broader trend of syncretism in medieval Japanese thought. His commentary demonstrates how Zen Buddhism, despite its origins in China, was able to adapt and integrate with other indigenous traditions.

In addition to these two commentaries, there are numerous other unconventional interpretations of the Denkoroku that have emerged over the centuries. Some commentaries emphasize the role of language and rhetoric in Zen practice, while others focus on the ethical implications of Dōgen's teachings. Collectively, these commentaries offer a diverse and often contradictory range of perspectives on the nature of Zen Buddhism.

The unconventional commentaries on the Denkoroku serve as valuable resources for scholars and practitioners who seek to deepen their understanding of Zen Buddhism. They challenge conventional assumptions, stimulate critical thinking, and encourage a more nuanced appreciation of Dōgen's profound teachings.

Furthermore, these commentaries are not merely historical curiosities. They continue to inspire and provoke contemporary Zen practitioners, who find in them fresh insights and new perspectives on the path to enlightenment.

As the Tuttle Library of Enlightenment continues to acquire and preserve these unconventional commentaries, it plays a vital role in safeguarding the diverse legacy of Zen Buddhism. By making these texts accessible to scholars and the general public, the library ensures that the unconventional voices of the past continue to resonate in the present and future.

Zen Light: Unconventional Commentaries on the Denkoroku (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment)

by Molefi Kete Asante

4.5 out of 5