To start from the self and try to understand all things is delusion. To let the self be awakened by all things is enlightenment.
DOGENYou should stop searching for phrases and chasing after words. Take the backward step and turn the light inward. Your body-mind of itself will drop off and your original face will appear. If you want to attain just this, immediately practice just this.
More Dogen Quotes
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One must be deeply aware of the impermanence of the world.
DOGEN -
In 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.
DOGEN -
The coming and going of birth and death is a painting. Unsurpassed enlightenment is a painting. The entire phenomenal universe and the empty sky are nothing but a painting.
DOGEN -
Just 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.
DOGEN -
If you do not get it from yourself, where will you go for it?
DOGEN -
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.
DOGEN -
Those who see worldly life as an obstacle to Dharma see no Dharma in everyday actions. They have not yet discovered that there are no everyday actions outside of Dharma.
DOGEN -
Truth is not far away. It is nearer than near. There is no need to attain it, since not one of your steps leads away from it.
DOGEN -
There is no beginning to practice nor end to enlightenment; There is no beginning to enlightenment nor end to practice.
DOGEN -
A fool sees himself as another, but a wise man sees others as himself.
DOGEN -
The recognition of the coming and going of things is a first step in training and practice.
DOGEN -
Nothing in the entire universe is hidden.
DOGEN -
Sitting is the gateway of truth to total liberation.
DOGEN -
Coming, going, the waterbirds, don’t leave a trace, don’t follow a path.
DOGEN -
Those who seek the easy way do not seek the true way.
DOGEN