Zen Questions: Zazen, Dogen, and the Spirit of Creative Inquiry

Description

Whether speaking of student or master, Zen hinges on the question. Zen practice does not necessarily focus on the answers, but on finding a space in which we may sustain uncertainty and remain present and upright in the middle of investigations. Zen Questions begins by exploring "The World of Zazen, "--The foundational practice of the Zen school--presenting it as an attitude of sustained inquiry that offers us an entryway into true repose and joy. From there, Leighton draws deeply on his own experience as a Zen scholar and teacher to invite us into the creativity of Zen awareness and practice. He explores the poetic mind of Dogen with the poetry of Rumi, Mary Oliver, Gary Snyder, and even "the American Dharma Bard" Bob Dylan. What's more, Leighton uncovers surprising resonances between the writings of America's Founding Fathers--including Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin--and the liberating ideals at the heart of Zen.;""Contents""; ""Preface""; ""Part 1: The World of Zazen""; ""Zazen as Inquiry""; ""Zazen Mind and Transformative Function""; ""Hongzhi, DÅ?gen, and the Background of Shikan Taza""; ""Zazen as Enactment Ritual""; ""The Gateway to Repose and Joy""; ""Part 2: Reflections on Eihei DÅ?gen""; ""Reflections on Translating DÅ?gen""; ""The Practice of GenjÅ?kÅ?an""; ""Practicing the Awesome Presence of Active Buddhas""; ""Expressing the Dream within the Dream""; ""Zen Rule-Bending and the Training for Pure Hearts""; ""Part 3: Commentaries on DÅ?genâ€?s Extensive Record"" ""Contents"" ""Preface"" ""Part 1: The World of Zazen"" ""Zazen as Inquiry"" ""Zazen Mind and Transformative Function"" ""Hongzhi, DÅ?gen, and the Background of Shikan Taza"" ""Zazen as Enactment Ritual"" ""The Gateway to Repose and Joy"" ""Part 2: Reflections on Eihei DÅ?gen"" ""Reflections on Translating DÅ?gen"" ""The Practice of GenjÅ?kÅ?an"" ""Practicing the Awesome Presence of Active Buddhas"" ""Expressing the Dream within the Dream"" ""Zen Rule-Bending and the Training for Pure Hearts"" ""Part 3: Commentaries on DÅ?genâ€?s Extensive Record"" ""Speak Softly, Speak Softly""""DÅ?genâ€?s Five-Part Approach to Zazen"" ""Almost Not Confused by Self"" ""Readying the Ox"" ""Dropping Body-Mind, and the Pregnant Temple Pillars"" ""Practice-Realization-Expression"" ""Part 4: Zen Expressions"" ""Rumiâ€?s Words of Love"" ""Bob Dylanâ€?s Visions of Zen Mind"" ""Making Yourself into a Light"" ""Gary Snyder and Wild Practice"" ""Part 5: American Zen Engagement"" ""Liberation and Eternal Vigilance"" ""Consumerism and the Bodhisattva Precepts"" ""Meeting Our Ancestors of the Future"" ""Collective Karma and Systemic Responses to Climate Disruption""""Enlightened Patriotism and Right Livelihood"" ""Chapter Sources"" ""Endnotes"" ""Index"" ""About the Author""