Be moderate in eating and drinking. Mindful of the passing of time, engage yourself in zazen as though saving your head from fire.
DogenRead
Although its light is wide and great, the Moon is reflected in a puddle one inch wide. The whole Moon and the entire sky is reflected in one dew drop on the grass.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Even the smallest things can hold immense beauty and significance.
This quote from Dogen emphasizes the idea that vast and profound experiences can be found in the tiniest of reflections. It suggests that even a small puddle or a dew drop can encapsulate the entirety of the universe's beauty, highlighting the interconnectedness of existence and the idea that great wisdom and insight can often be discovered in seemingly insignificant moments or places.
Themes
MoonReflectionPuddleDew DropBeautyPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation retreat, one might share this quote to illustrate the beauty of mindfulness in everyday moments.
More from Dogen
All quotes →In the assemblies of the enlightened ones there have been many cases of mastering the Way bringing forth the heart of plants and trees; this is what awakening the mind for enlightenment is like. The fifth patriarch of Zen was once a pine-planting wayfarer; Rinzai worked on planting cedars and pines on Mount Obaku. . . . Working with plants, trees, fences and walls, if they practice sincerely they will attain enlightenment.
DogenRead
To start from the self and try to understand all things is delusion. To let the self be awakened by all things is enlightenment.
DogenRead
A fool sees himself as another, but a wise man sees others as himself.
DogenRead
Do not travel to other dusty lands, forsaking your own sitting place; if you cannot find the truth where you are now, you will never find it.
DogenRead
Do no harmful actions, do not become attached to the cycle of death and rebirth, show kindness, respect the old and have compassion for the young, do not have a heart that rejects or a heart that covets and have no worry or sadness in your heart. This is what is called enlightenment. Do not seek it elsewhere.
DogenRead
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