Wisdom Within Words

This book is the first complete bilingual edition and annotated translation of the poetry collection entitled Mystery Within Words (Kuch?ugen), which features 150 Chinese-style verses (kanshi) written by D?ogen Zenji (1200-1253), founder of the S?ot?o Zen sect in early medieval Japan. These poems are very important for highlighting several key aspects of D?ogen's manner of thinking and process of writing. D?ogen composed Sinitic poetry throughout all stages of his career at both K?osh?oji temple in Kyoto and Eiheiji temple in the remote mountains. for various purposes. These aims included reflections on meditation during periods of reclusion, commenting on cryptic k?oan cases, eulogizing deceased patriarchs, celebrating festivals and seasonal occasions,welcoming new administrative appointees at the temple, remarking on the life of the Buddha and other aspects of attaining enlightenment, and offering capping phrases that help highlight prose teachings or instructions. Although D?ogen's poetry has often been overlooked by the sectarian tradition, even though this collection was edited by the most eminent Edo period scholar-monk, Menzan, this style should of writing now be regarded in relation to the valuable roles that poetry played in the development ofEast Asian Buddhist contemplative life--