Introducing the Genjokoan, a new series that goes into the layers of 13th century Japanese Soto Zen master Dogen Zenji’s masterful and mystical essay.
Going forward we will be studying this relatively brief text line by line.
The Genjo Koan, Genjo meaning ‘current reality’, and Koan standing for the intersecting duality of relative and Absolute Truths, is an instrument of exploring Buddha Dharma through its foundational truths in a poetic and pithy way.
It is a great instrument of reflection like the Heart Sutra, the more you sit with it and its multiple commentaries, more facets of the diamond emerge. You will discover the words of the Shakyamuni buddha, summarizations of and references to his greatest sermons, and the pillars of Mahayana buddhism in this exposition.
We are using Shohaku Okamura’s translation and interpretation for this study, Realizing Genjokoan, though several other interpretations, just like multiple bhashyas of Patanjali’s Yogasutras, abound.
You will find both the original Genjokoan in various translations and commentaries available on several sources online. I encourage you to find the version that resonates best with you.
My intention is that you are able to use this as a jumping off point for your own contemplations and explorations, and that may lead you somewhat closer to your intended path.
Tara Das is an author, poet, and mind-body-spirit therapist.
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