Dahui's Shobogenzo - Vine of Obstacles Zen

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Dahui's Shobogenzo

A collection of 12 posts

Where Buddhas Apply Their Minds

Dahui's Shobogenzo

Where Buddhas Apply Their Minds

Tetsugan Sensei and I had thought we might work this gem from Dahui’s Shobogenzo into a Sunday dharma talk on the Awakening of Mahayana Faith. It seemed like too much, though, so I'll share it with you here. [520] National Teacher Wuye said to some disciples, “The

Dahui's Shobogenzo

One Geeky Review of Dahui's "Treasury of the Eye of the True Teaching"

Dahui Zonggao (1089–1163) was (arguably) the most important Zen master ever. (1) He is credited with developing the keyword method (話頭, huatou) that revolutionized Zen practice and that, in my opinion, is the greatest development in the meditation realm since Shakyamuni Buddha. Most importantly, the innovative teaching of Dahui

Don't Stray and Diligence Will Be Boundless

Dahui's Shobogenzo

Don't Stray and Diligence Will Be Boundless

Another dharma nugget for you today, again from Dahui's Shobogenzo. I'll soon be moving on from this focus, although will probably return to it from time to time. The review that I've been preparing for months is almost cooked and I'll post

What are the Three Treasures?

Dahui's Shobogenzo

What are the Three Treasures?

You might be surprised. This nugget is also from Dahui's Shobogenzo. The master here, Sanjiao Zhisong, is in the Linji branch, 16th generation in China, 45 from the Buddha. [610] Master Sanjiao was asked by a monk, “What are the Three Treasures?” He said, “Rice, wheat, and beans.

Bowl With No Handle

Dahui's Shobogenzo

Bowl With No Handle

"You are Buddha" - how can this be grasped? On this point (and lack thereof), another nugget from Dahui's Shobogenzo. The master in the koan below, Dalong Zhihong, is a 12th generation successor of the great Deshan Xuanjian. [598] Master Dalong was asked by a monk,

Not Moving Suchness

Dahui's Shobogenzo

Not Moving Suchness

I took the above photo a few days ago and when I reread the passage from Dahui's Shobogenzo below, it came to mind as the "just right" companion. The master who gave the talk below, Fojian, is a 21st generation teacher in China (50th since the

Dahui's Shobogenzo

I am not here

Dahui's Shobogenzo

Conceiving Interpretations Pursuant to Words

Here's another piece from Dahui's Shobogenzo, this one continues the theme about Soto and Rinzai distinguishing characteristics, probably the last on this for now. Zhenjing was a Rinzai master in the forty-third generation in China. Whether his words about Soto are praise or criticism, well, that&

Dahui's Shobogenzo

Totally Unshakable

Dahui's Shobogenzo

Not in Vain

Dahui's Shobogenzo

How to Concentrate in the Midst of Daily Affairs

In this “shortie" I'm offering another passage from Dahui's Shobogenzo (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye) that brings up the key issue for many dharma practitioners: How to concentrate in the midst of daily affairs. This is from Master Zhenjing, a 19th generation successor in

Dahui's Shobogenzo

Floating Clouds and the Pure Reality Body

Greetings Patrons, Here is another excerpt from Dahui's Shobogenzo. Master Ciming was a 17th generation successor of Bodhidharma in the Linji lineage known for his innovative teaching style. Although a monk, it seems that he had a wife who lived near the temple. You can read more about