The Life and Times of Dogen - Hōkō Karnegis

Introduction to Dogen

Dogen’s writings are a lifetime study, and one introductory weekend isn’t nearly enough to prepare participants to study the Shobogenzo on their own. However, in the videos below, Vice Abbot Hōkō Karnegis introduces some of the basic elements of Dogen’s teaching. She provides a grounding in the major themes, the structure of his writing, and in the texts he found influential. While this information is not a prerequisite for genzo-e participation, those aspiring to participate in such study may find it helpful.

Hōkō Karnegis

​Hōkō was ordained as a novice by Shohaku Okumura in 2005, and she completed her shuso hossen that same year at Kogetsu-an in Shiga, Japan. She received dharma transmission in September, 2012 and completed zuise at Eiheiji and Sojiji in November of that year. In January, 2016 Hōkō was named vice-abbot and successor at Sanshin. She previously served as communications director at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community in southern Minnesota from 2013 to 2016 and as interim practice director at Milwaukee Zen Center from 2011 to 2013. She has served as an adjunct instructor at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI, where she taught Eastern Religious Traditions in the classroom and online, and now teaches Zen through Ivy Tech Community College's lifelong learning program. She is recognized by Sotoshu as nito kyoushi (second-rank teacher) and as a practitioner of baika, a type of Japanese Buddhist hymn created by Sotoshu in 1952. She is serving her second four-year appointment from Sotoshu as kokusai fukyoushi, or international teacher.