Avalokitesvara Master Dogen’s KANNON in 100 Words KANNON is a transliteration of the Sanskrit term Avalokitesvara. The word literally means 'hearer of sounds' and is commonly used to refer to a specific being who hears cries for help or more widely as a symbol of compassion. In KANNON Master Dogen challenges the idea that we should seek to become 'compassionate beings' or engage in 'compassionate behaviour'.

Avalokitesvara

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION Join us at 18:30 (GMT/BST) today for 30 minutes of Zazen (seated meditation) and a short discussion about the practice. zenbeyondborders.wordpress.com zazen #buddhism #meditation

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION

Join us at 18:30 (GMT/BST) today for 30 minutes of Zazen (seated meditation) and a short discussion about the practice. zenbeyondborders.wordpress.com zazen #buddhism #meditation

Affirmation Master Dogen's JUKI in 100 Words JU means ‘to give’, and KI means ‘affirmation’, so JUKI means ‘to give affirmation’. An ‘affirmation’ is ‘an assertion that something is true’ and in JUKI Master Dogen discusses the role of affirmations within the Buddhist teachings. Whilst the Zen tradition often discounts the intellect in favour of Zazen practice the aspiring meditator requires sufficient guidance and goals to motivate practice.

Affirmation

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION Join us at 18:30 (GMT/BST) today for 30 minutes of Zazen (seated meditation) and a short discussion about the practice.zenbeyondborders.wordpress.com zazen #buddhism #meditation

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION

Join us at 18:30 (GMT/BST) today for 30 minutes of Zazen (seated meditation) and a short discussion about the practice.zenbeyondborders.wordpress.com zazen #buddhism #meditation

Zen Beyond Borders Free online meditation classes

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION
Join us online every Wednesday at 1830 (GMT/BST) for 30 minutes of meditation and a short discussion about the practice.
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Easter Break

Samadhi, State Like the Sea Master Dogen's KAI-IN-ZANMAI in 100 Words KAI means 'sea', IN means 'stamp' and ZANMAI is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word 'samadhi' meaning 'union with creation'. So KAI-IN-ZANMAI means something like 'the sea is a metaphor for union with creation' - or, in the words of the Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, “Enlightenment is when the wave realises it is the ocean”.

Samadhi, State Like the Sea

Master Dogen's KAI-IN-ZANMAI in 100 Words KAI means 'sea', IN means 'stamp' and ZANMAI is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word 'samadhi' meaning 'union with creation'. So KAI-IN-ZANMAI means something like 'the sea is a metaphor for union with creation' - or, in the…

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION Join us at 18:30 (UTC) today for 30 minutes of Zazen (seated meditation) and a short discussion about the practice.zenbeyondborders.wordpress.com

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION

Pure Conduct and Observance of the Precepts Master Dogen's GYOJI in 100 Words GYO means 'conduct' and JI means 'observance of precepts' so HYOJI means 'conduct that reflects observance of the precepts'. The Buddhist precepts are simple cautionary reminders of the types of behaviours that present barriers to the awakened life. To choose greed over generosity, hate over love, and ignorance over wisdom is to practice suffering and delusion.

Pure Conduct and Observance of the Precepts

Master Dogen's GYOJI in 100 Words GYO means 'conduct' and JI means 'observance of precepts' so HYOJI means 'conduct that reflects observance of the precepts'. The Buddhist precepts are simple cautionary reminders of the types of behaviours that present…

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION  Join us at 18:30 (UTC) today for 30 minutes of Zazen (seated meditation) and a short discussion about the practice.  zenbeyondborders.wordpress.com

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION 

Join us at 18:30 (UTC) today for 30 minutes of Zazen (seated meditation) and a short discussion about the practice.  zenbeyondborders.wordpress.com

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION  Join us at 18:30 (UTC) today for 30 minutes of Zazen (seated meditation) and a short discussion about the practice.  zenbeyondborders.wordpress.com

FREE ONLINE MEDITATION 

Join us at 18:30 (UTC) today for 30 minutes of Zazen (seated meditation) and a short discussion about the practice.  zenbeyondborders.wordpress.com

It Master Dogen's INMO in 100 Words In this talk Master Dogen points to the ineffable nature of reality by using the pronoun ‘it’. The use of the pronoun is a way of not naming that which cannot be named whilst at the the same time acknowledging that ‘it’ does in fact exist. And because the ineffable nature of reality is something whole and undivided then the there is ultimately no separation between the ‘it’ that is described and the ‘it’ that is describing ‘it’. So ultimately perhaps all we can really say is that there is ‘it’ - and that’s that! Photo by julien Tromeur on Unsplash

It

Master Dogen's INMO in 100 Words In this talk Master Dogen points to the ineffable nature of reality by using the pronoun ‘it’. The use of the pronoun is a way of not naming that which cannot be named whilst at the the same time acknowledging that ‘it’ does in fact exist. And because the…

The Matter of the Ascendant State of Buddha Master Dogen's BUTSU-KOJO-NO-JI in 100 Words BUTSU means 'Buddha', KOJO means 'be beyond' and JI means 'matter' so BUTSU-KOJO-NO-NI means 'the matter beyond Buddha'. In this chapter Master Dogen is reflecting on the nature of life before, during and after 'practice and realisation of the Buddhist state' [1]. Before practice we have a tendency to get caught up in thinking. During practice our thoughts fall away and we accept the world just as it is.

The Matter of the Ascendant State of Buddha

Master Dogen's BUTSU-KOJO-NO-JI in 100 Words BUTSU means 'Buddha', KOJO means 'be beyond' and JI means 'matter' so BUTSU-KOJO-NO-NI means 'the matter beyond Buddha'. In this chapter Master Dogen is reflecting on the nature of life before, during and…

A Needle for Zazen Master Dogen's ZAZENSHIN in 100 Words The word SHIN originally referred to a needle used in acupuncture and thus in broader terms to something that healed the body and mind. It was later used metaphorically to describe guidance that encouraged a healthy understanding of practice. So we might take the title of this lecture to mean 'towards a healthy understanding of Zazen practice'.

A Needle for Zazen

Master Dogen's ZAZENSHIN in 100 Words The word SHIN originally referred to a needle used in acupuncture and thus in broader terms to something that healed the body and mind. It was later used metaphorically to describe guidance that encouraged a healthy understanding of…

Great Realisation Master Dogen's DAIGO in 100 Words DAIGO means 'great realisation' or 'enlightenment'. Realisation means "understand clearly, comprehend the reality of" and enlightenment means to have removed "the dimness or blindness". So DAIGO means 'seeing reality with great clarity'. Seeing reality with great clarity is often regarded as a spiritual super power but why would such power be necessary if we are already present in reality?

Great Realisation

Master Dogen's DAIGO in 100 Words DAIGO means 'great realisation' or 'enlightenment'. Realisation means "understand clearly, comprehend the reality of" and enlightenment means to have removed "the dimness or blindness". So DAIGO means 'seeing reality with great clarity'. Seeing…

Pop Up Zendo We don’t usually review things on this blog but this week we’re giving a shout out to the Pop Up Zendo timer app. A Zendo is the meditation room of a Zen monastery and this app offers an experience of meditation that is pretty much the same as a real Zendo In the Pop Up Zendo app it is possible to change the length of meditation sessions, mute the bell and alternate between light and dark modes.

Pop Up Zendo

Mystical Power Master Dogen's JINZU in 100 Words In JINZU Master Dogen explores the concept of 'mystical power'. The word 'mystical' describes something that is 'hidden from or obscure to human knowledge or comprehension'. Some take the fact that experience of reality cannot always be grasped by the mind as reason to doubt the validity of such experience or even as evidence for the supernatural.

Mystical Power

Master Dogen's JINZU in 100 Words In JINZU Master Dogen explores the concept of 'mystical power'. The word 'mystical' describes something that is 'hidden from or obscure to human knowledge or comprehension'. Some take the fact that experience of reality cannot always be grasped by…

The Buddha’s Teaching Master Dogen's BUKKYO in 100 Words BUKKYO tends to be used as an umbrella term for 'Buddhist teachings' or ''Buddhism' but in this chapter Master Dogen focuses on the role of the intellect in understanding Buddhism. Although abstract thoughts often cloud our direct experience of the 'here and now' it is a mistake to disregard them. It is intellectual curiosity that brings us to the practice; receptive language that exposes us to the teachings; and expressive language that allows us to convey our personal understanding. So what are we to do? Let the intellect inform Zazen practice and let Zazen practice inform the intellect. Photo by Carlo Pentimalli on Unsplash

The Buddha’s Teaching

Master Dogen's BUKKYO in 100 Words BUKKYO tends to be used as an umbrella term for 'Buddhist teachings' or ''Buddhism' but in this chapter Master Dogen focuses on the role of the intellect in understanding Buddhism. Although abstract thoughts often cloud our direct experience…

The Dignified Behaviour of Acting Buddha Master Dogen's GYOBUTSU-YUIGI in 100 Words GYO means to act, BUTSU means Buddha, YUI means dignified, and GI means behaviour. Therefore GYOBUTSU-YUIGI means the 'dignified behaviour of acting Buddha' - or, in more straightforward terms, appropriate Buddhist behaviour. Nishijima Roshi often described Buddhism as a realistic religion that values action over idealism or materialism (that it is what we do that truly matters).

The Dignified Behaviour of Acting Buddha

Master Dogen's GYOBUTSU-YUIGI in 100 Words GYO means to act, BUTSU means Buddha, YUI means dignified, and GI means behaviour. Therefore GYOBUTSU-YUIGI means the 'dignified behaviour of acting Buddha' - or, in more straightforward terms, appropriate Buddhist…

The Buddha Nature Master Dogen's BUSSO in 100 Words BUTSU means 'Buddha' and SHO means 'nature' so BUSSHO means Buddha-nature. In turn the word 'Buddha' means 'awake' and the word 'nature' means 'born' (from the Latin 'natus') so 'Buddha-nature' literally means 'awakeness born' or 'awareness arises'. Therefore to think of 'Buddha-nature' as something that we 'have', 'have the potential to have', or 'will have' is a misunderstanding.

The Buddha Nature

Master Dogen's BUSSO in 100 Words BUTSU means 'Buddha' and SHO means 'nature' so BUSSHO means Buddha-nature. In turn the word 'Buddha' means 'awake' and the word 'nature' means 'born' (from the Latin 'natus') so 'Buddha-nature' literally means 'awakeness born' or 'awareness…

Reading Sutras Master Dogen’s KANKIN in 100 words In KANKIN Master Dogen talks about reading sutras. The word sutra literally means 'thread' but is more commonly used as a name for a Buddhist text. In the manufacture of cloth there are threads that go vertically down the weave (the warp) and threads that go across (the weft). We can view a sutra as a thread of the teachings that, like the warp, has come down the generations and should thus be revered.

Reading Sutras

Master Dogen’s KANKIN in 100 words In KANKIN Master Dogen talks about reading sutras. The word sutra literally means 'thread' but is more commonly used as a name for a Buddhist text. In the manufacture of cloth there are threads that go vertically down the weave (the warp) and…

The Eternal Mirror Master Dogen's KOKYO in 100 Words In KOKYO (the eternal mirror) Master Dogen uses the metaphor of reflection to explore the relationship between subjectivity and objectivity. When we (subject) look in the mirror we see another version of ourselves (object) behind the glass (although of course we know this apparent duplication of self to be an illusion). To imagine that 'mind' ultimately exists apart from 'body', that 'I' exist apart from 'others', or that 'attainment' (of the Buddhist state) exists apart from 'practice' (of the Buddhist state) is also an illusion. So KOKYO is a caution against seeking anything that exists outside of our daily practice. Photo by Dominik Dombrowski on Unsplash

The Eternal Mirror

Master Dogen's KOKYO in 100 Words In KOKYO (the eternal mirror) Master Dogen uses the metaphor of reflection to explore the relationship between subjectivity and objectivity. When we (subject) look in the mirror we see another version of ourselves (object) behind the glass…

Midwinter Break Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on Wednesday this year so we will be taking a short midwinter break. Our meetings will restart at 1830 GMT on Wednesday 7th January 2026. Offering thanks to everyone for their sincere efforts during 2025 and looking forward to seeing you all again in the new year. Best wishes, Keith 🙏

Midwinter Break

Mind Cannot Be Grasped Master Dogen’s SHIN-FUKATOKU in 100 Words SHIN-FUKATOKU is a quotation from the Diamond Sutra and in the Nishijima & Cross translation of Shobogenzo is translated as “mind cannot be…

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The Flower of Dharma Turns the Flower of Dharma Master Dogen’s HOKKE-TEN-HOKKE in 100 Words In FUKANZAZENGI (Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen) Master Dogen says that sitting in Zazen is “the practice and experience which perf…

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The Certificate of Succession Master Dogen’s SHISHO in 100 Words SHISHO means ‘the certificate of succession’. When a Buddhist teacher recognises that their student understands the Buddhist teachings the stude…

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The Buddhist Ancestors Master Dogen’s BUSSO in 100 Words In BUSSO (Buddhist Ancestors) Master Dogen presents a list of the Buddhist Ancestors stretching from those prior to the historical Buddha down to his own tea…

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The Sutra of Mountains and Water Master Dogen’s SANSUIGYO in 100 Words SAN means mountains, SUI means water and GYO means (Buddhist) teachings so in SANSUIGYO Master Dogen is once again exploring how the natural world (mount…

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The Transmission of the Robe Master Dogen’s DEN-E in 100 Words DEN means “transmission” and E means “robe,” so DEN-E means “the transmission of the robe.” Although the content of this chapter is very similar to that of t…

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The Merit of the Kasaya Master Dogen’s KESA-KUDOKU in 100 Words In KESA-KUDOKU Master Dogen describes the merit (KUDOKU) of wearing the Buddhist robe (KESA) saying that to wear the Buddha’s robe is to wear (or…

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