Dogen Quotes on Knowledge
Dogen Kigen (1200–1253) founded the Soto school of Japanese Zen and composed the Shobogenzo (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye) — one of the most philosophically sustained works in the Buddhist tradition. The doctrine of just sitting (shikantaza) holds that the practice of zazen is not the means to a future enlightenment but the immediate expression of the original buddha-nature each being already possesses, and the famous chapters on time, being, and impermanence — Uji, Genjo Koan, Bussho — develop the corresponding metaphysics in which time is not a container in which beings pass but the very being of each particular existing thing. The framework integrates Mahayana doctrines with the lyrical philosophical Japanese Dogen forged for the purpose.
Quotes
-
“To study the Buddha way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things.”
Fascicle 1 ( Genjokoan ) of Shobogenzo , trans. Paul Jaffe (1996), in Yasutani, Flowers Fall (Boston: Shambhala), 101-107. -
“Practice and enlightenment are one.”
As quoted in Eihei Dogen, Mystical Realist (2004) by Hee-jin Kim -
Attributed to Dogen:
“When you walk in the mist, you become wet without knowing it.”
-
Attributed to Dogen:
“If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?”
-
“Coming, going, the waterbirds don't leave a trace don't follow a path.”
As quoted in The Enlightened Heart : An Anthology of Sacred Poetry (1989) by Stephen Mitchell , p. 50 -
“As I study both the exoteric and the esoteric schools of Buddhism, they maintain that human beings are endowed with Dharma-nature by birth. If this is the case, why did the Buddhas of all ages — undoubtedly in possession of enlightenment — find it necessary to seek enlightenment and engage in spiritual practice?”
As quoted in Eihei Dogen, Mystical Realist (2004) by Hee-jin Kim -
“The primordial Buddhas are saying,”
Wikiquote -
“Shoaku makusa : Not Doing Wrong Action" as translated by Anzan Hoshin roshi and Yasuda Joshu Dainen roshi (2007)”
Wikiquote -
“Shoaku makusa : Not Doing Wrong Action" as translated by Anzan Hoshin roshi and Yasuda Joshu Dainen roshi (2007)”
Right and wrong are temporal, but time is neither right nor wrong. Right and wrong are the Dharma, but the Dharma is neither right nor wrong. In the balance of the Dharma, wrong is balanced. In the balance of the Dharma, right is balanced. And so, in learning of complete and utter Awakening, in hearing the Teachings, doing the training, and realizing the effect, this is profound, vast, and wonderf -
“Fascicle 1 ( Genjokoan ) of Shobogenzo , trans. Paul Jaffe (1996), in Yasutani, Flowers Fall (Boston: Shambhala), 101-107.”
To study the Buddha way is to study oneself. To study oneself is to forget oneself. To forget oneself is to be enlightened by the myriad dharmas. To be enlightened by the myriad dharmas is to bring about the dropping away of body and mind of both oneself and others. The traces of enlightenment come to an end, and this traceless enlightenment is continued endlessly. When a person starts to search o -
“It is only due to a lack of heart for the Way and a lack of skill in handling their daily conduct that people become vainly tied to fame and gain.”
Shobogenzo: The Treasure House of the Eye of the True Teaching" (2007) by Rev. Hubert Nearman, O.B.C. Chapter 29, p. 421 -
“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.”
Shobogenzo Zuimonki(1238) | III, 3