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Dogen

Dogen Quotes

Philosopher

Dogen was a Japanese Zen master born in January 1200 and died on September 22, 1253. He was the founder of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in Japan and had a profound influence on the development of Zen Buddhism. Dogen advocated 'Zen is life,' emphasizing the close connection between Zen practice and everyday life, and his thoughts had a wide impact on Japanese culture.

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All Mind Ifs Practice Enlightenment Way Body Self Mountain World Study Water Buddhist All Things Grass Should Forget Mind And Body Moon Spirituality Dharma

Famous Dogen Quotes

“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.”

Ifs Should Believe May Events Superiors Sage If You Believe Discernment

Author:Dogen

“Mountains and oceans have whole worlds of innumerable wondrous features. We should understand that it is not only our distant surroundings that are like this, but even what is right here, even a single drop of water.”

World Should Whole Water Wonder Mountain Ocean Whole World Features Surroundings Wondrous Drop Of Water

Author: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.”

Thinking Should Mind Ideas Evil Rooms Five Becoming Quiet Eating Function Drinking Various Setting Settings Desirable Eating And Drinking Quiet Room

Author:Dogen

“Continuous practice, day after day, is the most appropriate way of expressing gratitude. This means that you practice continuously, without wasting a single day of your life, without using it for your own sake. Why is it so? Your life is a fortunate outcome of the continuous practice of the past. You should express your gratitude immediately.”

Way Should Mean Past Life Is Practice Gratitude Sake Fortunate Outcomes Appropriate Expressing Gratitude

Author:Dogen

“Just as parents care for their children, you should bear in mind the whole universe.”

Should Mind Children Whole Care Universe Parent Bears Stewardship

Author:Dogen

“You should study not only that you become a mother when your child is born, but also that you become a child.”

Should Children Spiritual Mother Spirituality Born Study Childhood Our Children Buddhist Your Children

Author:Dogen

“Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken. Take heed, do not squander your life.”

Life Should Opportunity Lost Importance Strive Supreme Buddhist Life And Death Heed

Author:Dogen

“Students today should live fully every moment of time. This dew-like life fades away; time speeds swiftly. In this short life of ours, avoid involvement in superfluous things and just study the Way.”

Way Should Moments Today Study Students Discipline Speed Fades Self Discipline Involvement Dew Short Life Superfluous Fade Away Students Today

Author:Dogen

“You 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.”

Ifs Want Should Mind Body Light Faces Turns Steps Practice Originals Your Body Phrases Inward Chasing

Book:Beyond Thinking: A Guide to Zen Meditation

Source: Beyond Thinking: A Guide to Zen Meditation

About the Author

Born: January 19, 1200
Died: September 22, 1253
Known for: Philosopher
Quotes: 140

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Mind Ifs Practice Enlightenment Way Body Self Mountain World Study Water Buddhist All Things Grass Should Forget Mind And Body Moon Spirituality Dharma

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Books & Sources

Beyond Thinking: A Guide to Zen MeditationRelated source material

Dogen's Genjo Koan: Three CommentariesRelated source material

How to Cook Your Life: From the Zen Kitchen to EnlightenmentRelated source material

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