Abstract

This book records the straight-forward discussions between two monks who are living as clergy in Japanese Buddhism, which is heavily secularized. The dialogues challenge and reexamine the essence of human existence, the meaning of life, recognition of others, compassion, and so on, making it a thought-provoking read.

Author’s Information

Jikisai Minami
Graduated from the Department of Art History, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Waseda University. After working at a major department store, he was ordained in the Soto sect in 1984. In the same year, he entered Eiheiji, the head temple located in Fukui Prefecture, and practiced there for 19 years until 2003. After his retirement, he initiated the interdenominational training dojo for young monks, "Shishiku-rin Sangha," in Aomatsuzaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo. Currently, he serves as the head priest of Reisenji in Fukui City and the proxy for the Yamano family of Osorezan Bodaiji in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. His books include "Talking Zen Monk" (Asahi Shimbun Publications), "Zen in Everyday Life" (Kodansha Selected Books Metier), "Buddhism Starting from 'Question' - Dialogue with Self in Search of 'I'" (Kosei Publishing), "The Old Man and the Boy" (Shinchosha). He co-authored "Lonely Zen Master Dogen - Famous Japanese Monks 9" (Yoshikawa Kobunkan), "Easy Introduction to 'Zen'" (Shinchosha), "Modern Times and Buddhism - What Buddhism Asks and Is Asked Now -" (Kosei Publishing) and others.

Soukyuu Genyuu
Born in 1956 in Fukushima Prefecture. Graduated from the Department of Chinese Literature, Faculty of Letters, Keio University. After various job experiences, he entered the specialist Zen dojo at Tenryuji in Kyoto in 1983. From 1986, he served as the vice abbot of Fukuju-ji in Miharu, Fukushima, and since 2008, he has served as the head priest. Alongside his religious duties, he continues to write, and his debut novel "Ahead of the Water" (Shinchosha) was nominated for the Akutagawa Prize in 2000, and in the following year, 2001, he won the same prize for "Flowers of Chūin." His works include novels such as "Asura," "The Festival of Abraxas," "Scattering Flowers of Transformation," "Amitabha - Infinite Brightness," "Leela - Play in God's Garden" (all published by Shinchosha), "The Treasury Opening Tale," "The House where the Dragon Lives" (both published by Bungeishunju), "Asura" (Kodansha), and essays and Buddhist books such as "Japaneseness," "The Power of Impermanence," "Even Monks Are Worried" (Bunshun Shinsho), "Mind Sketches around Compassion" (Kodansha), "Playing with Zen Words" (Chikuma Shobo), "Zen Life," "What Happens When You Die?" "Modern Translation of the Heart Sutra" (all published by Chikuma Shobo), "Playing with Zhuangzi" (Chikuma Selection), "The Heart of Jizo - The Power of the Japanese," "Four Seasons of Koan" (Kosei Publishing), and co-authored "Modern Times and Buddhism - What Buddhism Asks and Is Asked Now -"