Dogen Zenji was a renowned Japanese Zen master and philosopher who lived during the 13th century. He was the founder of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism and is considered one of the most important figures in Japanese Zen history. Dogen Zenji’s teachings and writings are still widely studied and revered today for their profound insights into the nature of reality and the practice of Zen meditation.
In this article, we will explore some of the most inspiring and thought-provoking quotes from Dogen Zenji. These quotes encapsulate his deep understanding of Zen philosophy and offer guidance for those seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Read these dogen zenji quotes
“To study the 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.”
“Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Your body and mind will become clear and you will realize the unity of all things.”
“The way is not difficult for those who have no preferences. When love and hate are both absent, everything becomes clear and undisguised.”
“Realization is not acquisition of anything new nor is it a new faculty. It is only removal of all camouflage.”
“When you understand one thing through and through, you understand everything. When you try to understand everything, you will not understand anything.”
“Do not think you will necessarily be aware of your own enlightenment.”
“There is no need to travel to a monastery or a remote mountain. Your body and mind are the true place of practice.”
“To study Buddhism 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.”
“The moon does not become the sun, nor does the sun become the moon. Each remains in its own nature.”
“If you are unable to find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?”
“When you are truly yourself, you lose yourself. When you become nothing, you become everything.”
“The whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass.”
“To be unaware of the oneness of the self and the ten thousand things is to be in a state of delusion.”
“Not thinking about anything is Zen. Once you know this, walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, everything you do is Zen.”
“A flower falls, even though we love it; and a weed grows, even though we do not love it. Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
“When you let go of desire, you’ll be happy, even in the midst of suffering.”
“The Buddha Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences. When love and hate are both absent, everything becomes clear and undisguised.”
“What is the sound of one hand clapping?”
“To study Buddhism 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.”
“The truth is beyond words and cannot be grasped by the intellect.”
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind, there are few.”
These quotes from Dogen Zenji offer a glimpse into the profound wisdom and teachings of this remarkable Zen master. Whether you are a practitioner of Zen Buddhism or simply seeking inspiration for your spiritual journey, these quotes can provide valuable insights and guidance. Take a moment to reflect on these words and let them inspire you on your path to enlightenment.
