Overview
The Buddha taught that every person is capable of greatness by practicing eight key qualities in their life, from having few desires and not engaging in useless arguments to knowing what is enough. These timeless teachings were later expanded upon by the prolific thirteenth-century Zen master Eihei Dōgen in his final teaching before his death—values that, despite their age, perennially ring true.
In The Roots of Goodness, the late Japanese Zen teacher Kōshō Uchiyama Röshi bridges the gap between the eras of these ancient masters and today, delivering insightful, relatable, and rich commentary that brings these eight qualities into focus and directly applies them to the complexities of modern life. Translator Daitsū Tom Wright, a longtime student of Uchiyama, provides a full translation of Dōgen’s original work as well as a faithful translation of Uchiyama’s commentary, supplemented with a historical background of Dōgen, an exploration of how the teaching of the eight qualities impacted Uchiyama’s life and work, and a personal introduction that grounds the importance of this teaching in modernity. This book seamlessly weaves together ancient wisdom with Uchiyama’s beloved humor and style, offering a path for using these qualities to more fully embrace Buddhist practice and answer the age-old question: How does one become a truly good person?
This book title, The Roots of Goodness (Zen Master Dogen's Teaching on the Eight Qualities of a Great Person), ISBN: 9781645473312, by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, Eihei Dogen, Daitsu Tom Wright, published by Shambhala (February 18, 2025) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer The Roots of Goodness (Zen Master Dogen's Teaching on the Eight Qualities of a Great Person) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order The Roots of Goodness (Zen Master Dogen's Teaching on the Eight Qualities of a Great Person) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!