Abstract: This book provides a comprehensive examination of the diverse writings of Dgen (1200-1253), the founder of St (C. Ts’ao-tung) Zen Buddhism in Japan. Dgen is especially known for introducing to Japanese Buddhism many of the texts and practices that he discovered in China. The context of Dgen’s travels to and reflections on China are reconstructed by means of a critical look at traditional sources both by and about Dgen. While many studies emphasize the unique features of Dgen’s Japanese influences versus traditional Chinese models, this book calls attention to the fusion of Chinese and Japanese elements in Dgen’s religious vision. It reveals many new materials and insights into Dgen’s main writings, including the multiple editions of the Shbgenz, and how and when this seminal text was created by Dgen and edited and interpreted by his disciples. This book provides the reader with a comprehensive approach to the master’s life works and an understanding of the overall career trajectory of one of the most important figures in the history of Buddhism and Asian religious thought.

Keywords: Zen Buddhism, Daruma School, Dgen, Eihei shingi, Eihei kroku, Japanese Buddhism, Ju-ching, Shbgenz, Shbgenz zuimonki, St Zen