Dōgen Conference in November
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| Venue: | MARC Pavilion |
Conference on Zen Master Dogen
November 12, 2011
http:www.buddhasotozen.org/?p=454
Florida International University’s Asian Studies Program, in collaboration with the Buddha Soto Zen Center, invites you to join in the upcoming “Bringing Dōgen Down to Earth” conference on November 12, 2011 from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Modesto A. Maidique (University Park) Campus’ MARC Pavilion. The conference is also co-sponsored by FIU’s Program for the Study of Spirituality and Department of Religious Studies.
Eihei Dōgen (1200-1253) was a Japanese Zen Master who is considered the founding patriarch of the Sōtō Zen School of Buddhism, the largest Zen sect in Japan. Dōgen is well known for his emphasis on shikantaza, or “just sitting,” as well as community practice, the study of Buddhist literature, and his unique interpretation of kōans. His major writings include Shōbōgenzō (The True Dharma Eye Treasure) and Eihei Kōroku (Dōgen’s Extensive Record), both of which are collections of his sermons, and Eihei Shingi (Pure Standards for the Zen Community), among others. All three works are available in English translations.
The significance of Dōgen’s work lies in its potential to benefit and transform humankind. By drawing on the rich religious and philosophical essence of his contemporary Japanese culture, as well as Chinese religion and literature, Dōgen formulated new insights into the Buddha’s path toward liberation for all beings. His works have been recognized by modern commentators for their philosophical insight, spiritual power, and literary eloquence. These classical teachings have generated tremendous worldwide interest and remain timely and relevant for all communities, East and West, in the present day.
The conference will feature five prominent, internationally-recognized figures in studies of Dōgen’s life and teachings. Each of these guests have either studied or worked closely with researchers and thinkers from Komazawa University in Tokyo, which houses the leading Buddhist Studies Department in Japan, and include:
- Prof. William Bodiford, author of Sōtō Zen in Medieval Japan
- Prof. Griffith Foulk, co-editor-in-chief of the Sōtō Zen translation project
- Prof. Steven Heine, author of Did Dōgen go to China?
- Rev. Taigen Dan Leighton, Zen teacher and co-translator of Dōgen’s Extensive Record
- Rev. Shohaku Okumura, Zen teacher and author of Realizing Genjōkōan
Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served. No registration is needed. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. The program will include opportunities for questions and group discussion. For directions to the MARC Pavilion at FIU, see http:campusmaps.fiu.edu.
