The True Dharma Eye: Zen Master Dogen's Three Hundred Koans

by John Daido Loori, Kazuaki Tanahashi (Translator)

A collection of three hundred koans compiled by Eihei Dogen, the thirteenth-century founder of Soto Zen in Japan, this book presents readers with a uniquely contemporary perspective on his profound teachings and their relevance for modern Western practitioners of Zen. Following the traditional format for koan collections, John Daido Loori Roshi, an American Zen master, has added his own commentary and accompanying verse for each of Dogen’s koans. Zen students and scholars will find The True Dharma Eye to be a source of deep insight into the mind of one of the world’s greatest religious thinkers, as well as the practice of koan study itself.

Genres: Zen, Buddhism, Philosophy, Religion, Nonfiction, Poetry, Classics

528 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2005

About the author

John Daido Loori was a Zen Buddhist rōshi who served as the abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery. He was the founder of the Mountains and Rivers Order of Zen Buddhism and CEO of Dharma Communications.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far this has been a challenging but worhtwhile brain-teaser. I don't expect to finish this anytime in the near future, though. It's definitely a thinky read - but still pleasurable.

[Lori Shinkō Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a reference book - especially if you are studying the Shobogenzo. Not something you finish, rather something you always come back to like your true self.

[Tori Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marked it finished because I’ll be “reading” these forever, if we can even call it that. 🙃

[Ebb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about finding inner peace and our essential roll of creating a peaceful world through the examples and lives of others.

[Mascifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minus one star because I didn't necessarily love the editor's adding their own poems and commentary to Dogen the GOAT and his flaming amazing madnesses. They weren't bad I just wasn't expecting it.

[valixt · Rating 4 out of 5]

50% (of useful information)