Abstract
In Zen and Body, Kenshu Suguwara of Aichi Gakuin University describes the significance of the body in Zen, highlighting its importance within the Buddha Way as well as the importance of non-discrimination and non-differentiation. The body plays a central role in Zen Buddhism. Following the teaching of Japanese Soto Zen Buddhism, this chapter presents three major themes on this topic. Briefly, these themes are (a) the relation between mind and body in Zen, (b) the significance and implications of body in Zen, and (c) proper conduct in Zen training and sangha, a monastic community of ordained Zen practitioners. According to Dogen, the founder of Japanese Soto Zen Buddhism, the physical body, Zen practice, and the Buddha Way are inseparable from one another. However, Zen also cautions the students of Zen not to cling to this teaching literally and excessively. In other words, Zen states that the body plays a central role in the embodiment of Buddha Way through practice, and the true Buddha Way is expressed fully and wholeheartedly when the all three elements become one.
Translated and Revised by Akihiko Masuda and Kayla Sargent.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Buddhist Text Translation Society. (2001). The Sixth Patriarch’s Dharma Jewel Platform Sutra. Burlingame, CA, USA: Buddhist Text Translation Society.
Dogen, E., Ejo, K., Okumura, S., & Wright, D. T. (1988). Shobogenzo-zuimonki: Sayings of Eihei Dogen Zenji. Tokyo, Japan: Soto-shu Shumucho.
Dogen, E., Leighton, T. D., & Okumura, S. (1995). Dogen’s pure standards for the Zen community: A translation of Eihei Shingi. Albany, New York: State University of New York Press.
Dogen, E., Leighton, T. D., & Okumura, S. (2010). Dogen’s extensive record: A translation of the Eihei Koroku. Somerville, MA, USA: Widsom Publications.
Dogen, E., Nishiari, B., Okumura, S., Suzuki, S., & Weisman, S. M. (2011). Dogen’s genjo koan: Three commentaries. Barkeley, CA, USA: Counterpoint.
Dogen, E., & Tanahashi, K. (1985). Moon in a dewdrop: Writings of Zen master Dogen. New York, USA: North Point Press.
Dogen, E., & Tanahashi, K. (2010). Tresury of the true Dharma eye: Zen Master Dogen’s Shobo Genzo. Boston MA, USA: Shambhala.
Ferguson, A. (2011). Zen’s Chinese heritage: The masters and their teachings. Somerville MA, USA: Wisdom Publications.
Japan Buddhist Federation. (1978). Understanding Japanese Buddhism.
Kirchner, T. Y., & Sasaki, R. F. (2008). The record of Linji. Honolulu, HI, USA: University of Hawaii Press.
Shaner, D. E. (1985). The bodymind experience in Dogen’s “Shobogenzo”: A phenomenological perspective. Philosophy East and West, 35(1), 17–35. doi:10.2307/1398679.
Suzuki, D. T. (1964). An introduction to Zen Buddhism. New York, NY, USA: Grove Press.
Suzuki, D. T. (1996). Zen Buddhism: Selected writings of D. T. Suzuki. New York, USA: An Image Book.
Suzuki, D. T. (2010). Zen and Japanese culture. Princeton, NJ, USA: Princeton University Press (original work published in 1938).
Suzuki, S. (1970). Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal talks on Zen meditation and practice. Boston, MA USA: Weatherhill.
Uchiyama, K., & Okumura, S. (2014). The Zen teaching of homeless Kodo. Somerville MA, USA: Tuttle Publications.
Uchiyama, K., Wright, T., Warner, J., & Okumura, S. (2004). Opening the hand of thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhism practice. Somerville MA, USA: Wisdom Publications.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding authors
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Sugawara, K., Masuda, A., Sargent, K. (2017). Zen and Body. In: Masuda, A., O'Donohue, W. (eds) Handbook of Zen, Mindfulness, and Behavioral Health. Mindfulness in Behavioral Health. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54595-0_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54595-0_7
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-54593-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-54595-0
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyBehavioral Science and Psychology (R0)