This is the first of seven talks on Fukanzazengi, Zen Master Dogen’s universal recommendations for how to practice zazen (seated meditation). This series of talks took place during a seven-day sesshin (intensive meditation retreat). 

Katagiri Roshi begins by examining the meaning of the critical line, “For you must know that just there, in zazen, the right dharma is manifesting itself, and that from the first, dullness and distraction are struck aside.” He also introduces a six-component system for understanding zazen from a physical and psychological standpoint, and discusses how important it is to arrange circumstances and let go. He also talks about life at Eiheiji monastery.

This is the June 9, 1979 Dharma Talk by Dainin Katagiri Roshi, transcribed and read by Kikan Michael Howard.

To read the transcript, visit katagiritranscripts.net.