„When all dharmas are the Buddha Dharma”: An interpretation of the first three lines of the Genjōkōan 現成公按

Abstract

The Genjōkōan 現成公按, the first fascicle of the Shōbōgenzō 正法眼蔵, is an outstanding writing in Dōgen’s 道元 (1200–1253) oeuvre. This fascicle abounds in special metaphors and ambiguous phrases; therefore, several components need to be clarified in terms of grammar and phrasing. This article focuses on the analysis of the first three lines, which contain structurally dominant and definitional statements concerning the main concepts of Buddhism; thus, by ascertaining these factors, we may have a clearer view of Dōgen’s thought. The first three lines of the Genjōkōan are analysed by comparing the commentaries on the Shōbōgenzō and the interpretations of Buddhologists, as well as independently discussing the expression oftheTruth ofBuddha and Dōgen by citing definitionalstatements from the current fascicle and some other writings that were written close in time to the Genjōkōan.