The Sh¿b¿genz¿ is the recognized spiritual masterpiece by the thirteenth-century Japanese S¿t¿ Zen Master Eihei D¿gen. It is comprised of discourses that he gave to his disciples, in person or in writing, at various times between 1231 and his death twenty-two years later at age fifty-three.
These discourses cover a wide range of topics pertinent to those in monastic life though often also relevant to those training in lay life. He discusses matters of daily behavior and religious ceremonial as well as issues involving the Master-disciple relationship. He also explores the deeper meaning that informs the so-called Zen k¿an stories, which often puzzle readers by their seeming illogicality and contrary nature.