Monastic Codes
The community life rules that structured Sōtō monastic practice, from their Chinese origins to their Japanese codification.
Chanyuan Qinggui 禅苑清规
The "Pure Code of the Chan Garden," the first complete monastic code of the Chan tradition. Composed by Zongze (1103), it served as a direct model for Dōgen in writing his Eihei Shingi. It covers daily organization, ceremonies, meals, baths, and disciplinary rules.
Keizan Shingi 瑩山清規
The monastic rules compiled by Keizan Jōkin for Sōji-ji temple. They complement Dōgen's Eihei Shingi by adding funeral rituals and liturgical practices that would become characteristic of Japanese Sōtō.
Sōtō Scholasticism
The commentaries and scholarly studies that shaped the understanding of the Shōbōgenzō and foundational texts.
Menzan Zuihō 面山瑞方
The great reformer of the Sōtō school in the Edo period. Author of monumental commentaries on the Shōbōgenzō (Shōbōgenzō Menshō), the Denkōroku (Tōkai Wanki), and the Tenzo Kyōkun (Tenzo Kyōkun Kōroku). His revised edition of the Kenzeiki (Teiho Kenzeiki) is the standard reference.
Shōbōgenzō Keiteki 正法眼蔵渓笛
Major commentary on the Shōbōgenzō by master Nishiari Bokusan, one of the greatest Sōtō scholars of the Meiji era. His philological and practical approach renewed the study of the Shōbōgenzō in the 20th century.
Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki 正法眼蔵随聞記
Collection of Dōgen's informal talks, compiled by his successor Koun Ejō. More accessible than the written Shōbōgenzō, it offers direct insight into Dōgen's thought and daily practice.
Teiho Kenzeiki 訂補建撕記
Revised and illustrated biography of Dōgen by Menzan Zuihō, based on Kenzei's original (15th century). Bilingual Japanese-French text.
Late Chinese Caodong
Texts of the Caodong (Sōtō) tradition in China after the period of the Founding Masters, up to the Ming dynasty.
Mokushōzan 默照銘
The "Inscription of Silent Illumination," a short poem on the practice of mokushō (silent illumination). Foundational text for the practice of shikantaza that would be transmitted to Japan by Dōgen.
Wansong Yulu 万松語録
Sayings and teachings of Wansong Xingxiu, compiler of the Shōyōroku (Book of Serenity). A Caodong master of the Jin dynasty, he preserved and transmitted the Caodong lineage that would reach Dōgen.
Shōyōroku 従容録
The "Book of Serenity," a collection of one hundred kōans from the Caodong tradition, with commentaries and poems. Along with the Hekiganroku, one of the two great kōan collections of Chan.
Hekiganroku 碧巖錄
The "Blue Cliff Record," one hundred kōans compiled by Xuedou, commented on by Yuanwu. Dōgen copied it entirely by hand in one night before leaving China — the famous Ichiya Hekiganroku preserved at Daijō-ji.
Chan Guan Ce Jin 禅関策進
"Goad to Pass Through the Chan Barrier," a late Ming Chan practice manual. Yunqi Zhuhong (Lianchi) compiled encouragements and methods for intensive practice, blending Chan and Pure Land.
Kōan Collections
The three great classical collections of gongan (kōans) from the Chan tradition, which form the heart of kōan practice in both Rinzai and Sōtō zen.
Hekiganroku 碧巖錄
The "Blue Cliff Record," one hundred kōans compiled by Xuedou, commented on by Yuanwu. Masterpiece of Chan literature, copied by Dōgen in one night. Discover excerpts →
Shōyōroku 従容録
The "Book of Serenity," a collection of one hundred kōans from the Caodong (Sōtō) tradition, compiled by Wansong Xingxiu with verses by Hongzhi Zhengjue. The Caodong counterpart to the Hekiganroku.
Wumenguan 無門関
"The Gateless Gate," a collection of 48 kōans compiled by Wumen Huikai (1183–1260). Begins with the most famous kōan: Zhaozhou's "Mu" of the dog. An essential zen practice manual. Discover excerpts →
Other Texts
Shōbōgenzō 正法眼蔵
Dōgen's masterpiece, one of the most profound texts in the Buddhist tradition. Translated into French and 5 other languages.
Denkōroku 伝光録
"Record of the Transmission of the Light," tracing the lineage of patriarchs from the Buddha to Dōgen.