Dōgen quotes
Dōgen was a Japanese Buddhist monk, philosopher, and the founder of the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan. His teachings emphasized meditation (zazen) and the importance of direct experience in spiritual practice. He wrote influential works such as the Shōbōgenzō and profoundly shaped the development of Japanese Buddhism. Here are 41 of his quotes:
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?
Dōgen
The Buddha said, "Elements come together and form this body. At the time of appearing, elements appear. At the time of disappearing, elements disappear. When elements appear, I do not say "I" appear. When elements disappear, I do not say "I" disappear. Past moments and future moments do not arise in sequence. Past elements and future elements are not in alignment. This is the meaning of ocean mudra samadhi."
Closely investigate these words by the Buddha. Attaining the way and entering realization does not necessarily require extensive learning or realization. Anyone can attain the way through a simple verse of four lines. Even scholars of extensive learning can enter realization through a one line verse.
Dōgen
