Be moderate in eating and drinking. Mindful of the passing of time, engage yourself in zazen as though saving your head from fire.
DogenRead
To study Buddhism is to study ourselves. To study ourselves is to forget ourselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Studying Buddhism leads to self-reflection, which can ultimately make us transcend our ego.
This quote by Dogen suggests that engaging with Buddhist teachings compels us to explore our own inner nature. As we gain deeper understanding of ourselves, we may realize that in true self-awareness, we can let go of our ego and the distractions of the self, allowing for a more profound connection to the world around us.
Themes
BuddhismSelf-StudyReflectEgoEnlightenment
In practice
Example use cases
During a meditation session, I reminded myself of Dogen's wisdom, reflecting on my own journey.
More from Dogen
All quotes βIn 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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