Returning to Silence: Zen Practice in Daily LifeA renowned Zen teacher and contemporary of Shunryu Suzuki explores the many pillars of Zen spirituality, explaining how we can bring these practices into our daily lives For twenty-five hundred years Buddhism has taught that everyone is Buddha—already enlightened, lacking nothing. But still there is the question of how we can experience that truth in our lives. In this book, Dainin Katagiri points to the manifestation of enlightenment right here, right now, in our everyday routine. Genuineness of practice lies in “just living” our lives wholeheartedly. The Zen practice of sitting meditation (zazen) is not a means to an end but the activity of enlightenment itself. That is why Katagiri Roshi says, “Don't expect enlightenment—just sit down!” Based on the author's talks to his American students, Returning to Silence contains the basic teachings of the Buddha, with special emphasis on the meaning of faith and on meditation. It also offers a commentary on “The Bodhisattva's Four Methods of Guidance” from Dogen Zenji's Shobogenzo, which speaks in depth about the appropriate actions of those who guide others in the practice of the Buddha Way. Throughout these pages, Katagiri Roshi energetically brings to life the message that “Buddha is your daily life.” |
Contents
Zen in Daily Life | 1 |
Entrance to the Buddha | 67 |
Buddhist Faith and Practice | 97 |
Copyright | |
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accept already Avalokiteshvara beautiful become beneficial action bird bodhisattva body and mind body-mind Buddha-nature Buddha's teaching Buddha's world called comes compassion completely consciousness constantly create daily Dainin Katagiri day by day death Dharma Dharma transmission dhism Dōgen Zenji Dōgen Zenji says emptiness everyday exactly experience feel finger gassho going Gutei heart human world identity action ignore impermanence important Japan Japanese Katagiri kōan live look Lotus Sūtra Mahāyāna manifestation means middle monk mountain nature of existence nirvana ocean original nature ourselves pāramitās peace and harmony perfect person pine tree practice of giving prajñā precepts pretty hard real peace realize Roshi samādhi Sangha sentient serenity and tranquillity Shakyamuni Buddha shikan taza Shōbōgenzō silence simultaneously sit zazen someone Sōtō spiritual suffering sumi painting Sūtra take refuge Tathāgata teacher temple things thirsting desire Triple Treasure truth understand universe usual words zazen Zen Buddhism Zen master