Dogen's Bussho: Does that pesky dog have Buddha Nature or not?

Wimbledon Zen

Handout available at: http://podcast.wimbledonzen.co.uk/2017.07.08/handout.pdf In this talk we look at Bussho (Buddha Nature) - widely regarded as one of the most important fascicles of Dogen's Shobogenzo but - for various reasons - often over-looked by modern students. This talk examines the history surrounding the concept of Original Enlightenment and how this philosophy has been very controversial in Buddhism. It also looks at the innovative and unique ways that Dogen twisted the words of previous teachings to more fully reflect how he saw the idea of Buddha Nature. The talk concludes by asking how a modern practitioner should look to use the fascicle. How is it relevant to us now?