Dōgen, the thirteenth-century Zen master who founded the Japanese Sōtō school of Zen, is renowned as one the world’s most remarkable religious geniuses. His works are both richly poetic and deeply insightful and philosophical, pointing to the endless depths of Zen exploration. And almost precisely because of these facts, Dōgen is often difficult for readers to understand and fully appreciate.

Realizing Genjokoan is a comprehensive introduction to the teachings and approach of this great thinker, taking us on a thorough guided tour of the most important essay—Genjōkōan—in Dōgen’s seminal work, the Shōbōgenzō. Indeed, the Genjōkōan is regarded as the pinnacle of Dōgen’s writings, encompassing and encapsulating the essence of all the rest of his work.

Our tour guide for this journey is Shohaku Okumura, a prominent teacher in his own right, who has dedicated his life to translating and teaching Dōgen.

This volume also includes an introduction to Dōgen’s life from Hee-Jin Kim’s classic, Eihei Dōgen: Mystical Realist, with updated annotations by Okumura.