Philippe Coupey

Rei Ryu Philippe Coupey

The Song of the Wind in the Dry Tree is a book of commentaries given by Zen Master Philippe Coupey from two 13th-century Japanese texts. In Part I, he's chosen twelve poems from the Sansho Doei, a collection of poetry composed by Master Dogen Zenji between 1245 and 1253. In Part II, Coupey comments on the complete text of Komyozo Zanmai, written in 1278 by Dogen's disciple and successor, Master Koun Ejo. Reciting and commenting on the sayings of the elders is a style of practice that Zen has fostered. Teachers in this tradition hold that ancient poems and writings actually transmit and enrich the fundamental teachings. These writings bring life and renewed vitality to authentic experiences of the Zen tradition, outside of time, to contemporary Zen practitioners. The author's fresh interpretation of these two classic texts should be taken as the resonance of an intimate and fundamental experience which, beyond space and time, is addressed to our heart, shedding light on our own quest and ratifying the discoveries that we may have made along the way. Clearly, then, the message of this book is not intended to come under the heading of scholarship or to add to our intellectual baggage, but to enrich our spiritual life. The twelve poems that Philippe Coupey has chosen from Dogen's Sansho Doei are clear and obvious observations of nature. They comprise a rich facet of Dogen's poetic sensitivity, set entirely in the immediacy of real life, a direct experience of ordinary consciousness. Dogen's poems refer to nature; nonetheless, they speak of the experience of awakening at every opportunity. "Even if [the poems of the Sansho Doei] refer to nature, to landscapes, seashores, the passing of springtime," Coupey tells us, "it is always consciousness that is the subject. Free, natural, ordinary consciousness that is neither for nor against." In Part II, Philippe Coupey's commentary on Ejo's teaching, Komyozo Zanmai, he explains that this timeless teaching is a pure jewel that encapsulates and exudes the purest essence of transmitted Zen. In Coupey's view, this 13th century treatise is absolutely not different from that which Zen disciples have received through the ages and are in turn, transmitting today. These sayings of the masters Dogen and Ejo, constitute a precious form of transmission. "This is how zazen, the Way, should be studied," Coupey asserts.

Commentaries on Dogen's Sansho Doei and Koun Ejo's Komyozo Zanmai

The Song of the Wind in the Dry Tree

“It doesn’t matter whether you are intelligent or stupid. There’s no difference between a dull or smart person. Sincere concentrated effort is, in itself, the Way.” – Dogen No diluted, dumbed-down or sugarcoated version of Zen teaching and practice will be found here! Contemporary Zen teacher Philippe Coupey offers readers a clear, strong and useful commentary on the Fukanzazengi –– the short basic classic on how to practice zazen, written by the Master Dogen in 1227. Coupey’s approach to this timeless teaching is based in the work of his own distinguished master, Taisen Deshimaru, the Japanese Soto Zen teacher who brought Zen to Europe. What’s new here is that the text has been put into everyday English, and given a contemporary context by the author. Based on Buddha’s teachings and venerated in the Zen tradition, this text is regularly recited in Zen temples. Though brief, it remains a source of inspiration and guidance for both beginners and advanced students as it has for centuries. Dogen invites the practitioner to give up intellectual understanding and simply direct light inward. Fukan means recommended for everyone, so this is not an esoteric work limited to priests and monks Zazen is the practice of sitting meditation Gi is law or principles

A Zen Monk's Commentary on the Fukanzazengi Universal Guide on the Correct Practice of Zazen

Zen, Simply Sitting

Taisen Deshimaru

An enlightening account of a session held in France under the guidance of the renowned Japanese Zen Master, Taisen Deshimaru (1914-1982). This book answers pressing questions and provides vital instruction and inspiration for both beginner or long-time Zen practitioners and those using meditation as part of their spiritual path.

Philippe Coupey

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