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The Essential Dogen

By: Kazuaki Tanahashi - editor, Peter Levitt - editor
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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Publisher's summary

Eihei Dogen (1200 - 1253), founder of the Soto School of Zen Buddhism, is one of the greatest religious, philosophical, and literary geniuses of Japan. His writings have been studied by Zen students for centuries, particularly his masterwork, Shobo Genzo or Treasury of the True Dharma Eye. This is the first book to offer the great master's incisive wisdom in short selections taken from the whole range of his voluminous works. The pithy and powerful readings, arranged according to theme, provide a perfect introduction to Dogen - and inspire spiritual practice in people of all traditions.

©2013 The San Francisco Zen Center (P)2014 Audible Inc.
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Featured Article: The Best Zen Audiobooks to Guide You to Enlightenment


Perhaps you’re a meditation master looking for some in-depth topics, or maybe you’re new to your zen practice and seeking guidance. Either way, these ten titles offer a comprehensive selection to begin or continue your spiritual practice. Our selection includes poems, short stories, letters, and full-length texts all brought to life in audio. They cover various schools of philosophy and religion from traditionalists to modern practitioners.

What listeners say about The Essential Dogen

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    3 out of 5 stars

Dogen is difficult to comprehend

Dogen is a difficult read, which should not be seen as a critique of the author or the narrator. Both have done a good job handling the material. That being so, the material is difficult to comprehend.

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4 people found this helpful

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I think I'll get more out of it next time

I think that if I would have thought of it more as poetry I would have enjoyed it more. loved the closing words. would have rated it 3.5 stars if I could.

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Thanks!

The spirit of Dogen is passed till the flesh as possible and hope one day it could penetrate intobthe marrow and the soul!

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Perfect for blind donkeys

Hold your breath and cover your ears. Then you will be ready to listen. Seeking entertainment instead of cleaning the red dust out of your eyes, you have already received thirty blows.

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18 people found this helpful

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Nice... would prefer written version tho

Good info.....
my opinion, the written version would be better. I do a lot of audio books, but This one is more suitable to read slowly over a a long period of time, to digest info.
Narration a bit boring after awhile as well.

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  • Overall
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Essential

Writings essential for the unentangled. Teachings for the curiously initiated. Words for monkeys on a branch looking at sunrise as if it were an orange.

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Dogen

Would you listen to The Essential Dogen again? Why?

I will listen to The Essential Dogen again and I have already!

What other book might you compare The Essential Dogen to and why?

Living Buddha Living Christ, New Seeds of Contemplation.

What about Brian Nishii’s performance did you like?

It was relaxed and peacefully done.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

Great for the novice to the master meditator. If there is such a thing.

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6 people found this helpful

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Great work on Dogen

Great narrator. Well structured even for a beginner. I would highly recommend this listen for those on the way. master Dogen paints a verbal work of art to help you to focus your mind. Not 1, not 2.

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6 people found this helpful

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Yes This Now.

third time listening full through. Will do many times again and again. IT IS ALL INSIDE OF YOU EVERYTHING IS YOU. ONENESS RESPECT.🙏

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1 person found this helpful

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Dogan is indeed essential

if you are a meditation student, especially a Zen student, Dogan is a must read. Full stop.

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