Gudo Nishijima (1919–2014)

The conceit of this book is that it's a 200-page dialogue between student & teacher. While this format/institution is a big part of the Zen tradition, it makes for a halting and sometimes stultifying reading experience of what’s otherwise a well-regarded roshi's sometimes-idiosyncratic views on the dharma.

Nishijima's insistence on the primacy of zazen is well worth heeding.

In this work, Dōgen presents the tenets of the Sōtō school--not in classical Chinese, as was customary of Buddhist scholars of the day, but in Japanese.

To clarify his own standpoint, Dōgen discusses in detail the differences between his views and those of other Buddhist schools; hence one is able to gain a comprehensive understanding of his thought. The title refers to the true teachings taught by the Buddha during the span of his life, and in this work all aspects of Buddhist doctrine, show more scriptures, way of life and practice are described from the standpoint of the author. This work is held in high regard, being considered the most outstanding philosophical work to come out of Japan. show less

I thought it was going to be heavyer and deeper but it just kind of rattles on and on.
note book #832

> Un Zen Occidental : http://www.zen-occidental.net/ndl/midal01.html