Meditation is not a way to enlightenment, Nor is it a method of achieving anything at all. It is peace itself. It is the actualization of wisdom, The ultimate truth of the oneness of all things.
DOGENMeditation is not a way to enlightenment, Nor is it a method of achieving anything at all. It is peace itself. It is the actualization of wisdom, The ultimate truth of the oneness of all things.
DOGENThere is no beginning to practice nor end to enlightenment; There is no beginning to enlightenment nor end to practice.
DOGENIf you want to do a certain thing, you first have to be a certain person. Once you become that certain person, you will not care anymore about doing that certain thing.
DOGENIn doing zazen it is desirable to have a quiet room. You should be temperate in eating and drinking, forsaking all delusive relationships. Setting everything aside, think of neither good nor evil, right nor wrong. Thus having stopped the various functions of your mind, five up even the idea of becoming a Buddha.
DOGENIn the mundane, nothing is sacred. In sacredness, nothing is mundane.
DOGENTo be in harmony with the wholeness of things is not to have anxiety over imperfections.
DOGENThat the self advances and confirms the ten thousand things is called delusion; that the ten thousand things advance and confirm the self is called enlightenment.
DOGENDo not be amazed by the true dragon.
DOGENThe whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass.
DOGENZazen is an activity that is an extension of the universe. Zazen is not the life of an individual, it’s the universe that’s breathing.
DOGENWhy abandon a seat in your own home to wander in vain through dusty regions of another land? If you make one false step, you miss what is right before your eyes.
DOGENJust practice good, do good for others, without thinking of making yourself known so that you may gain reward. Really bring benefit to others, gaining nothing for yourself. This is the primary requisite for breaking free of attachments to the Self.
DOGENAlthough its light is wide and great, the Moon is reflected in a puddle one inch wide. The whole Moon and the entire sky is reflected in one dew drop on the grass.
DOGENWhen both body and mind are at peace, all things appear as they are: perfect, complete, lacking nothing.
DOGENForgetting oneself is opening oneself
DOGENBut do not ask me where I am going, As I travel in this limitless world, Where every step I take is my home.
DOGEN