Ryokan Dances Dogen

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Genzan offers a unique exploration of true dharma expression – weaving together the teachings of 13th century Zen master Dogen with the poetry and life of 18th century hermit-monk Ryokan through the unexpected lens of modern Butoh dance choreography. Genzan suggests we may interpret Ryokan’s poetry as the ‘fu’ or choreography for the Way of practice and guides the audience through Dogen’s “Eight Understandings of Great People,” pairing each teaching with Ryokan’s poetry and his own personal anecdotes. The fundamental understandings: having few desires, knowing contentment, enjoying quietude, and maintaining right mindfulness – pull us in as Genzan skillfully illustrates these teachings to be beautiful, natural, and totally accessible, like how water moves around a rock with “No fuss, no muss, no complaint, no ‘who put this rock here?'” Genzan reveals how the hermit poet danced Dogen’s wisdom from across centuries through his simple alignment with the current moment. The talk culminates with Ryokan’s profound teaching on “no mind” – where blossoms invite butterflies and butterflies visit blossoms in perfect, unknowing harmony with the Way.