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Quote by Dainin Katagiri

Work

Each Moment Is the Universe: Zen and the Way of Being Time

Each Moment Is the Universe: Zen and the Way of Being Time is a philosophical work that examines the Zen Buddhist perspective on time and existence. The book discusses the idea that each moment is an integral part of the universe, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and living fully in the present. It offers insights into the practice of Zen and its implications for daily life, encouraging readers to embrace the interconnectedness of all things and to find peace and clarity through the practice of mindfulness. more

Author

Dainin Katagiri
Dainin Katagiri

Dainin Katagiri was a Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher and author, born in January 19, 1928, and passing away on March 1, 1990. His teachings focused on the significance of direct experience and mindfulness in everyday life. Katagiri was renowned for his clear and direct approach to Zen practice, which had a profound impact on students worldwide. more

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“If he hadn’t become a Buddhist monk, Sawaki Roshi would have been successful in a worldly sense in business, politics, or the military. Instead, he devoted his life to wholeheartedly practicing Dogen Zenji’s just sitting, or shikantaza, which according to him was good for nothing. For him, social climbing in pursuit of fame and profit was meaningless. The Japanese expression for “waste” is bonifuru, which means “sacrifice,” “lose all,” or “ruin.” So when we say he wasted his life, we use the expression in a paradoxical way—like saying that zazen is good for nothing.”

“Just stick to the ordinary circumstances without labeling them ordinary. Be open to them with no desire to change them in any way. They are, in fact, already magical and miraculous. They are the revelation of the Absolute. The mountains, for instance, are already miracles. We don’t need a little angel on top of the mountain to make it more miraculous, so don’t make one up.”