This chapter on Dogen in the Medieval literature section of this anthology first introduces his biography, paying particular attention to the relationship that Dogen had with language as well as with literature.
I then selected a number of previously translated passagaes from the large body of literature by Dogen, again choosing those texts that more directly critique the role of language and literature in our world, or which more deeply influenced Japanese literature.
For each selection, I introduced the piece and/or the collection from which it was excerpted, and provided an extensive annotation of the translation itself, keeping in mind that the intended reader of this anthology is not necessarily a specialist in Japanese culture or religion.
