You Have to Say Something: Manifesting Zen Insight

by Dainin Katagiri

Dainin Katagiri (1928–1990) was a central figure in the transmission of Zen in America. His first book, Returning to Silence, emphasized the need to return to our original, enlightened state of being, and became one of the classics of Zen in America. In You Have to Say Something, selections from his talks have been collected to address another key theme of Katagiri's teaching: that of bringing Zen insight to bear on our everyday experience. "To live life fully," Katagiri says, "means to take care of your life day by day, moment to moment, right here, right now." To do this, he teaches, we must plunge into our life completely, bringing to it the same wholeheartedness that is required in Zen meditation. When we approach life in this way, every activity—everything we do, everything we say—becomes an opportunity for manifesting our own innate wisdom. With extraordinary freshness and immediacy, Katagiri shows the reader how this wisdom not only enlivens our spiritual practice but can help make our life a rich, seamless whole.

Genres: Zen, Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Philosophy, Meditation

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Gabrielle (Reading Rampage)]

“The practice of Zen Buddhism is understanding life as the constant flow of activity rather than as concepts and beliefs.”

I read Katagiri’s “Returning to Silence” (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) earlier this year and was simply blown away with how amazing and clear his lectures were, and how joyful and accessible he made his insights into the study and practice of Zen. This book is also a collection of transcribed lectures that were collected by his students after he passed away, and edited loosely by theme. Just as with “Returning to Silence”, Katagiri’s Dharma talks put a lot of emphasis on the fact that Zen is not something we do simply when we are sitting zazen, it is something we live every minute of our lives. He was adamant that trying to make sense of mystical and ungraspable aspect of Buddhist philosophy is not the best use of our time: we should simply live every moment with wholeheartedness. And yes, he was well aware that this is easier said than done! But you get the strong feeling that he also believed this was something everyone could do with a little work and right intention.

In many ways, it reminded me of Suzuki Roshi’s “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), but I admit to preferring Katagiri’s style, which I find a bit more concretely applicable. Advice such as “Keep your mouth shut and act with true heart” make me giggle, but it’s impossible to argue with. The appendix is one of the best instruction on how to sit, breathe and practice zazen I have read.

An excellent little book, that I highly recommend if you liked Katagiri’s other books, or if you are interested in Zen practice.

[Susanne]

I thought this was a great book and it brought me back to meditate every day and see, that the day to day practice of ordinary things is important and the core of all spiritual practice. Dainin Katagiri is clear and uncomplicated - my favourite quote: "The changes that occur through spiritual practice are not really your business, if you make them your business, you will try to change your life directly. If you try to change your life directly, no matter how long you work at it, you will not satisfy yourself. So if you truly want to change your life, you should just form the routine of doing small things day by day. Then your life will be changed beyond your expectations . If you practice continuously, day after day, you will become a peaceful, gentle and harmonious person. There is no explanation for this."
I always meant to read one of his books since I first heard about him via Natalie Goldberg, one of my writing teachers, whose zen teacher he was. She mentioned him so often in her books. Now I am glad I finally did read him and will pretty soon start his other book "Returning to silence".

[Tim Thirion]

This is one of the best books of Zen essays. I rank it right alongside 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind' though it isn't as famous.

Katagiri Roshi's core thesis is that Zen is simply every day life. Our lives are how we spend each day, day after day. That to live wholeheartedly in the moment is enough ... not enough, but truly all there is. In the face of it all, just live.

The author covers a wide range of subjects, deftly weaving every day language with core Buddhist concepts. He is always powerful and direct—we should expect nothing less from a Zen Master.

'You Have to Say Something' is an easy, joyful read. This is one that I will return to taste several times a year.

Favorite quotes:
'No idea can touch Reality.'
'There is no place to bite into.'
'Keep your mouth shut & act with a true heart.'

[Matt Edwards]

5 Stars. Again 5 stars. I come back to this book every year or two and am refreshed every time. Katagiri talks about what can't be talked about in a way that just works for me. Most of the language and phrasing I use to think and talk about Zen and spirituality I have taken directly from this book.

One of my favorite quotes -

"The changes that occur through spiritual practice are not really your business. If you make them your business, you will try to change your life directly. If you try to change your life directly, no matter how long you work at it, you will not satisfy yourself. So, if you truly want to change your life, you should just form the routine of doing small things, day by day. Then your life will be changed beyond your expectations. If you practice continuously, day after day, you will become a peaceful, gentle, and harmonious person. There is no explanation for this."

First of all - this is something I need to be reminded of every day. Second - I am moved every I read that last sentence - "There is no explanation for this." It is so matter of fact and so human. And although the workings of our existence are an impenetrable mystery that cannot be explained or understood through our minds, he gently reminds us throughout the book that we can experience the Truth of our existence directly.

[Eric]

Good stuff.

I kinda feel I may be more a Katagiri guy than a (S) Suzuki guy (gasp! preferences!). A friend mentioned his playing second fiddle to Suzuki as being quite appealing, and I gotta say, that does also please me too. This seems a bit more concrete/direct or maybe contemporary, references to things I can maybe relate to better, (eg. sudden astonishment of “wow! a moose!” — must be a Minnesota thing). Then again, I've heard that Katagiri can be a bit “cosmic” in places.

Could also be a time/place thing. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind was a good while back, maybe worth reading after a bit more practice.

Found the clarification between habit and vow, as well as commentary on unwholesome ways of doing zazen.

[John Dean]

As you read through Zen books you realize consciously or unconsciously we are always putting ourselves first, and when we see the world only in terms of ourselves, we lack a broad perspective. We cannot then accept anything or anyone as they are. You begin to see life is in doing the small things day by day, without trying to satisfy an expectation. Realizing there is nothing to hold on to, nothing to change, nothing to get caught up in. In doing this constantly we approach each moment with a true heart just as it is.

[Noe]

Wonderful. I found Dainin through natalie goldberg. Succinct and clear writing -the chapters on ego came at the right time in my life.

[Hilda Ramos]

If you are an American Buddhist that likes Suzuki Roshi, read Katakiri Roshi’s books. I will dare to say that I liked his writing and teachings even more.

[Greg]

amazingly simple and deep zen writings by katagiri.
covers a wider range of topics and ideas than 'each moment is the universe'.

definitely one of my favorite zen writers.
he does a good job of bringing all intellectual ideas and concepts back to the present moment, so we can all practice being ALIVE!

[Patrick]

It's true.

Not bad. I guess I pulled out a few important things, but a very few. Like many Zen books, it gets confusing and complicated.

I did however, enjoy the understanding of compassion and what is "right" in Buddhism. It is "right" to support all other things in their endeavor to deal with life and death.

[Krehel]

Book is simple and moved me in ways like no other book has. True a Zen book but from life and its standpoint really talks you through issues in a simple way. Loved this book for years and would love to have it on my KIndle if I can find it.

[Ridgewalker]

This is a book on Zen and Buddhism that was at times hard for me to wrap my mind around but it was definitely worth the effort. I love the insights on how Zen can help us better understand and relate to and achieve equanimity with our place in the world.

[Brendan]

A nice collection of transcribed talks by Dainin Katagiri. The topics are short, but dense. For such a thin book, it took me a while to get through it.

[Monica]

Not sure if this fits with Nichren but maybe someday I'll check it out.

[Ben]

I Love this book of post meditation lectures given by D. Katagiri!

[TRENT]

A beautiful book

I have the pleasure to discover this great book. I could re-read it as soon as I finished. Many awareness moments within.

[Ross Cohen]

Repetitive yet profound.

[Alicia]

A mind opening book. Helps with approaching daily practice and understanding Zen Buddhism. Also addresses some common misunderstandings about Buddhism and practice.

[Ridgewalker]

This was an excellent book on Zen and Buddhism. I love the theme that the heart of Zen is found in this present moment, whatever it may be.

[Dale]

No, no I don't.