Moon in a Dewdrop

Edited by Kazuaki Tanahashi; Translated by Robert Aitken, Reb Anderson, Ed Brown, Norman Fischer, Arnold Kotler, Daniel Leighton, Lew Richmond, David Schneider, Kazuaki Tanahashi, Katherine Thanas, Brian Unger, Mel Weitsman, Dan Welch, and Philip Whalen

Eihei Dogen (1200-1253), among the first to transmit Zen Buddhism from China to Japan and founder of the important Soto School, was not only a profoundly influential and provocative Zen philosopher but also one of the most stimulating figures in Japanese letters.Kazuaki Tanahashi, collaborating with several other Zen authorities, has produced sensitive and accurate translations of Dogen's most important texts. Moon in a Dewdrop contains the key essays of the great master, as well as extensive background materials that will help Western readers to approach this significant work. There is also a selection of Dogen's poetry, most of which has not appeared in English translation before.Dogen's thought runs counter to conventional logic, employing paradoxical language and startling imagery. It illuminates such fundamental concerns as the nature of time, existence, life, death, the self, and what is beyond self.

Preface and AcknowledgementsAbbreviations, Transliteration, Systems of Counting, and CapitalizationIntroduction: The Life of Zen Master Dogen and Dogen's TeachingPART ONE: PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONSRules for Zazen (Zazen-gi)Guidelines for Studying the Way (Gakudo Yojin-shu)Bodhisattva's Four Methods of Guideance (Bodaisatta Shisho-ho)Regulations for the Auxiliary Cloud Hall (Juundo-shiki)Instructions for the Tenzo (Tenzo Kyokun)PART TWO: PHILOSOPHICAL WORKSActualizing the Fundamental Point (Genjo Koan)Birth and Death (Shoji)The Time-Being (Uji)Undivided Activity (Zenki)Body-and-Mind Study of the Way (Shinjin Gakudo)PART THREE: POETIC IMAGERYMountains and WAters Sutra (Sansui-kyo)Spring and Autumn (Shunju)Plum Blossoms (Baika)Everyday Activity (Kajo)The Moon (Tsuki)Painting of a Rice-cake (Gabyo)PART FOUR: TRANSMISSION OF TEACHINGOn the Endeavor of the Way (Bendo-wa)Only Buddha and Buddha (Yuibutsu Yobutsu)Twining Vines (Katto)Face-to-Face Transmission (Menju)Buddha Ancestors (Busso)Document of Heritage (Shisho)All-Inclusive Study (Henzan)Going beyond Buddha (Bukkojoji)PART FIVE: POEMSWaka PoemsChinese-style PoemsAPPENDIXESAppendix A: "Reading the Record of Eihei Dogen" by RyokanAppendix B: Chinese Transliteration: Comparative TableAppendix C: MapsAppendix D: Lineage Charts of Chinese Zen MastersNotesSelected BibliographyGlossary and Index