Yet you must not cling to the words of the old sages either; they, too, may not be right. Even if you believe them, you should be alert so that, in the event that something superior comes along, you may follow that.
DOGENYet you must not cling to the words of the old sages either; they, too, may not be right. Even if you believe them, you should be alert so that, in the event that something superior comes along, you may follow that.
DOGENTo study the Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self.
DOGENTo escape from the world means that one’s mind is not concerned with the opinions of the world.
DOGENBut do not ask me where I am going, As I travel in this limitless world, Where every step I take is my home.
DOGENTime is three eyes and eight elbows.
DOGENI haven’t got any Buddhism. I live by letting things happen.
DOGENLet your heart go out and abide in things. Let things return and abide in your heart.
DOGENIf he cannot stop the mind that seeks after fame and profit, he will spend his life without finding peace.
DOGENWhen you paint Spring, do not paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots – just paint Spring.
DOGENForgetting oneself is opening oneself
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.
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.
DOGENA fool sees himself as another, but a wise man sees others as himself.
DOGENWhen both body and mind are at peace, all things appear as they are: perfect, complete, lacking nothing.
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.
DOGENI asked, “What are words?” The tenzo said, “One, two, three, four, five.” I asked again, “What is practice?” “Nothing in the entire universe is hidden.”
DOGEN