Discovering the True Self, Kodo Sawaki
Discovering the True Self, Kodo Sawaki
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Discovering the True Self
Kodo Sawaki's Art of Zen Meditation

Author: Kodo Sawaki, Arthur Braverman

Narrator: David Shih

Unabridged: 5 hr 59 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 09/06/2022


Synopsis

"You can't see your true Self. [But] you can become it. Becoming your true Self is zazen."

As an orphan in the slums of Tsu City, Japan, Kodo Sawaki had to fight his way to adulthood, and became one of the most respected Zen masters of the twentieth century. He had a great understanding of Dogen Zenji's teaching and he knew how to express Dogen's philosophy. Sawaki's primary mission was to bring all people to an awareness of the Self, which he believed came through Zen meditation.

His humor and straightforward talk garnered Sawaki followers from all walks of life. Though he remained poor by choice, he was rich in spirit. Two of his students who became known in America as well as in Japan were Kosho Uchiyama, abbot of Antaiji Temple and author of Opening The Hand of Thought, and Gudo Nishijima, Zen teacher and translator of Dogen's Shobogenzo.

A student of Kosho Uchiyama, Arthur Braverman has compiled an anthology of Sawaki's writings and a garland of sayings gathered from throughout his lifetime. One of a few collections of Sawaki's teachings published in English, his life and work bracket the most intriguing and influential period of modern Zen practice in Japan and America.

About Kodo Sawaki

Kodo Sawaki (1880-1965) was one of the most influential Soto Zen teachers of the twentieth century. He was born in Tsu City, Japan.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Counterpoint Press on June 22, 2020

In Discovering the True Self, Arthur Braverman has compiled an anthology of Kodo Sawaki’s writings and a garland of sayings gathered from throughout his lifetime, one of a few collections of Sawaki’s teachings published in English. It is a collection of profound Zen Buddhism teachings explained in o......more

Goodreads review by Andrea on February 02, 2021

I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveway. I enjoyed learning more about Zen and Sawaki as this is not an area that I am extremely knowledgeable in. I think someone is more knowledgeable about Zen may enjoy this even more. It was interesting to learn more about Zen meditation (zazen) as sh......more

Goodreads review by Phoenix on March 07, 2024

Discovering the True Self, compiled by Arthur Braverman, offers a glimpse into the teachings of Kodo Sawaki, a revered 20th-century Zen master known for his direct and accessible approach. Discovering the True Self serves as a valuable introduction to Kodo Sawaki's teachings and Zen meditation for b......more

Goodreads review by Phil on January 16, 2022

"Discovering the True Self" is part biography and part collection of sayings and writings of Koudou Sawaki, one of the most revered Zen legends. The book presents the difficult practice of zazen which is described as practice without any specific goal, benefit or enlightenment. To understand Zen one......more

Goodreads review by R. on July 07, 2022

I heard of this book through Brad Warner’s YouTube spots. It is a bit repetitive regarding Sawaki’s biographical facts due to the book’s tripartite structure. Were you to the come to it fully as a novice, you might find it somewhat hard to follow. The picture does come through of a genuine practitione......more