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Unfathomable Depths

Drawing Wisdom for Today from a Classical Zen Poem

Introduction by Heiko Narrog and Hongliang Gu / Translated by Daigaku Rumme
Published by Wisdom Publications
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

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About The Book

Navigate a forgotten classic poem and enrich your practice with famed Zen master Sekkei Harada.

Three of the most pressing issues in any discussion of modern Zen are the true nature and function of Dharma transmission, how to appropriately practice with koans, and how to understand the "just sitting" of Soto Zen. Zen master Sekkei Harada uses the enigmatic "Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth" as the basis of his practical and theoretical discussion of these concerns. Unfathomable Depths presents a concise treatment of Soto theory and practice, while delivering approachable and workable advice from one of Zen's most esteemed teachers. Rooting himself in Tong'an Changcha's classical poem, Harada intimately speaks to the world of Zen today.

About The Author

Sekkei Harada is the abbot of Hosshinji, a Soto Zen training monastery and temple, in Fukui Prefecture, near the coast of central Japan. He was born in 1926 in Okazaki, near Nagoya, and was ordained at Hosshinji in 1951. In 1953, he went to Hamamatsu to practice under Zen Master Gien Inoue, and received inkashomei (certification of realization) in 1957. In 1974, he was installed as resident priest and abbot of Hosshinji and was formally recognized by the Soto Zen sect as a certified Zen master (shike) in 1976. Since 1982, Harada has traveled abroad frequently, teaching in such countries as Germany, France, the United States, and India. He also leads zazen groups within Japan, in Tokyo and Saitama. From 2003-2005, he was Director of the Soto Zen Buddhism Europe Office located in Milan.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Wisdom Publications (December 2, 2014)
  • Length: 272 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781614290834

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Raves and Reviews

“A veteran Zen teacher explains the proper role of scholarly study in support of zazen practice and the necessity of determined effort.”

– Victor Hori, McGill University

"A celebration is called for now that this important poem and Zen Master Harada Sekkei’s commentary has arrived in English. This volume will serve as a guide for Zen students for many generations to come."

– Setsuan Gaelyn Godwin, Abbot, Houston Zen Center

"An important contribution to contemporary Zen literature."

– Kyogen Carlson, Abbot, Dharma Rain Zen Center

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