Dogen

To study Buddhism is to study ourselves. To study ourselves is to forget ourselves.

— Dogen

Coming, going, the waterbirds don't follow a path.

— Dogen

But do not ask me where I am going, Where every step I take is my home.

— Dogen

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?

— Dogen

The primordial Buddhas are saying,

— Dogen

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.

— Dogen

Zazen is the ultimate practice. This is indeed the True Self. The Buddhadharma is not to be sought outside of this.

— Dogen

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.

— Dogen

When other sects speak well of Zen, the first thing that they praise is its poverty.

— Dogen

Something you want badly enough can always be gained. No matter how fierce the enemy, how remote the beautiful lady, or how carefully guarded the treasure, there is always a means to the goal for the earnest seeker. The unseen help of the guardian gods of heaven and earth assure fulfillment.

— Dogen

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.

— Dogen

Because monks come from the midst of purity, they consider as good and pure what does not arouse desire among other people.

— Dogen

Students of the Way must not study Buddhism for the sake of themselves. They must study Buddhism only for the sake of Buddhism. The key to this is to renounce both body and mind without holding anything back and to offer them to the great sea of Buddhism.

— Dogen

People who truly follow the Way would do well to conceal the fact that they are Buddhists.

— Dogen

Students today should begrudge every moment of time. This dewlike life fades away; time speeds swiftly. In this short life of ours, avoid involvement in superfluous things and just study the Way.

— Dogen

Just study Buddhism. Don't follow the sentiments of the world.

— Dogen

If he cannot stop the mind that seeks after fame and profit, he will spend his life without finding peace.

— Dogen

Students, when you want to say something, think about it three times before you say it. Speak only if your words will benefit yourselves and others. Do not speak if it brings no benefit.

— Dogen

Buddhas and Ancestors continuously maintain ocean mudra samadhi. While swimming in this samadhi, they expound, realize, practice.

— Dogen

In the great way of going beyond, no endeavor is complete without being one with myriad things. This is ocean mudra samadhi.

— Dogen

A flower falls, even though we love it; and a weed grows, even though we do not love it.

— Dogen