January 12, 2023 with Valerie Forstman, The Heart of Dogen’s Fukanzazengi

The Heart of Dogen’s Fukanzazengi
“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”
~ Soren Kierkegaard
Valerie unpacks the first paragraph of Dogen’s Fukanzazengi, Universally Recommended Instructions on Doing Zazen. This opening paragraph makes four statements, each followed by a challenging question. The Fukanzazengi is the first essay Dogen wrote, at age 27, after returning to Japan from China where he had deep awakening experiences guided by Chinese master Rujing.
Valerie looks at this paragraph within the context of Dogen’s life experience. ‘The way is originally perfect and all-pervading’ IS what Dogen experienced which is the first line of the text. Dropping away body and mind became Dogen’s strongest advice on how to sit.
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