Shobogenzo, Genjokoan, Eihei Dogen - Skeleton Key Part 6

A Study of Genjokoan and the Commentary in The Flatbed Sutra of LouieWing by Ted Biringer

PART 6

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Continuing on, the Genjokoan states:

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Those who are enlightened about delusion are buddhas.

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In the Shobogenzo, being “enlightened about delusion” means awakening to the reality of delusion. That is, realizing what delusion truly is. It is like when, for example, a person is shown the cause of a magician’s illusions: mirrors, wires, hidden compartments, and so on. The person can then grasp the reality of the illusion. The reality of the illusion, the mirrors, wires, hidden compartments, is existent, and the illusion is a real characteristic of its existence. Similarly, when you realize the cause of delusion: misperception or partial perception, of true nature, you realize the reality of delusion. The reality of delusion, misperception or partial perception of our own true nature is existent, and delusion is a real characteristic of its existence. Those who are “enlightened about” this are called “buddhas.”

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Next, the Genjokoan says:

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Those who are deluded about enlightenment are ordinary beings.

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To be “deluded about enlightenment” is to view enlightenment as being something outside or apart from you or the everyday world. This is not a judgmental statement; it is a simple observation. When you are aware of your true nature, you are called buddhas; when you are unaware of your true nature, you are called ordinary beings. Flowers fall, weeds flourish; cocks crow, dogs bark. The Genjokoan goes on:

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There are people who continue to realize enlightenment based on enlightenment.

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Dogen’s emphasis on post-kensho practice and enlightenment is rarely matched in Zen literature. He insists that attaining enlightenment is just the beginning of genuine practice and enlightenment. In fact, enlightenment for Dogen is only authentic as practice and enlightenment. In all his works, he repeatedly urges you to realize enlightenment based upon enlightenment, often using the Zen ancestors of the past as examples of how to approach the lifetime process of deepening and refining your realization. The Genjokoan continues:

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There are people in the midst of delusion adding to delusion.

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Dogen is not simply repeating his previous point but indicating something else. In Shobogenzo, Keisei-Sanshiki, Dogen uses the same phrase in a manner that suggests its deeper implication…

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…To Be Continued…

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~The Flatbed Sutra of Louie Wing: The Second Ancestor of Zen in the West by Ted Biringer

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Peace,

Ted