REVIEWS The Soto Approach to Zen By Reiho Masunaga Tokyo, Layman Buddhist Society Press (Zaike Bukkyo Kyokai 1958.) pp. 215 Dear Professor Masunaga: However, of these three, only the I hope everything goes well with Rinzai school has been introduced you and your work in 1960. to the Western world. Apparently This evening I have re-read your in the expectation that it is some­ last work, “ The Soto Approach to thing new and wonderful, it has Z e n ，” and as one of your best become a subject of absorbing in friends, I should like to give you terest there. Thus the Soto school, my opinion regarding it. This is although the most prominent in not easy, because I feel that I must our country, has been neglected be critical; but in the interest of and even now is not known in the scholarship and a better under­ West This is unfortunate. Some­ standing of our common goal,I feel thing should be done about it. that you will fully understand my Therefore, you have written ‘‘ The attitude. Soto Approach to Zen,” which is I deeply appreciate your idea of indeed well-timed. This is very introducing to the English-reading commendable on your part, and all public the Soto ‘‘ S chool，，，w hich is your friends are grateful for your the most prominent branch of Zen effort; but I regret to say that I Buddhism in Japan. As we all do not think that you have been know，there were five schools and entirely successful. seven branches of Zen Buddhism In this connection we must bear in China, of which only three were in mind what Dr. Daisetsu Suzuki introduced into Japan: the Rinzai, has done for the Rinzai School of Soto, and Obaku. These have de­ Zen Buddhism. He could do this veloped well in our country and because he has a fluent command two have flourished. Even today of English, and has demonstrated they are prosperous. his ability to read the innermost REVIEWS thoughts of Western people. More­ next publication. over, he has displayed the sense Sincerely yours, and sensibility of a great journalist. Fumio Masutani Even though Dr. Suzuki has * * * * * 关并关并并并 represented only the Rinzai side, THE SOTO APPROACH TO ZEN but for his ability and life-long Reiho Masunaga effort, the Western world would have had no contact at all with 1 . The Gist of Buddhist Thought or interest in Zen Buddhism. 2. Outline of Zen Buddhism Your idea of making up for 3. Essence of Zen and Its Histor­ ical Development this neglect of the Soto by present­ 4. The Standpoint of Dogen and ing a clear and concise explanation His Ideas on Time of Zen Buddhism for Western 5. Uji (Translated from the Sho- people is, as I have said, highly bogenzo) commendable, and I would be only 6. Shozi (Translated from the too pleased if your efforts had Shdbdgenzo) been crowned with success. But 7. Fukanzazengi(Rules for Zazen) to realize your idea you must over­ 8. Zazenydjinki (Points to Watch come many more mountains and in Zazen) valleys that lie ahead. You must 9. Genjokoan (Translated from improve your command of English; the Shdbogenzo) you should be able to read the 10. Bendowa (Translated from the Western mind better, and you Shobogenzo) should try to find more adequate 11. Shushogi (True Meaning of Training and Enlightenment) expressions for certain special 12. Sandokai (Ts，an-t，ung-ch，i) terms. I recognize these difficult­ 13. Hokyozammai (Pao-chmg-san- ies because they are not only mei) yours, they are also mine. 14. The Place of Dogen in Zen May greater success attend your Buddhism.