Just This Is It: Dongshan and the Practice of Suchness

Just This Is It: Dongshan and the Practice of Suchness

Teachings on the practice of things-as-they-are, through commentaries on a legendary Chinese Zen figure.

The joy of â€œsuchnessâ€â€”the ultimate and true nature inherent in all appearanceâ€”shines through the teachings attributed to Dongshan Liangjie (807â€“869), the legendary founder of the Caodong lineage of Chan Buddhism (the predecessor of Soto Zen). Taigen Dan Leighton looks at the teachings attributed to Dongshanâ€”in his Recorded Sayings and in the numerous koans in which he is featured as a characterâ€”to reveal the subtlety and depth of the teaching on the nature of reality that Dongshan expresses. Included are an analysis of the well-known teaching poem â€œJewel Mirror Samadhi,â€ and of the understanding of particular and universal expressed in the teaching of the Five Degrees. â€œThe teachings embedded in the stories about Dongshan provide a rich legacy that has been sustained in practice traditions,â€ says Taigen. â€œDongshanâ€™s subtle teachings about engagement with suchness remain vital today for Zen people and are available for all those who wish to find meaning amid the challenges to modern lives.â€
Country USA
Brand Shambhala Publications
Manufacturer Shambhala
Binding Paperback
ItemPartNumber 38423
Color Grey
ReleaseDate 2015-04-07
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781611802283