Be moderate in eating and drinking. Mindful of the passing of time, engage yourself in zazen as though saving your head from fire.
DogenRead
Does a dragon still sing from within a withered tree?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote questions whether vitality and creativity can exist even in seemingly lifeless circumstances.
Dogen's quote explores the concept of inner potential and the existence of life and creativity within situations that appear barren or devoid of vitality. It invites reflection on the possibility that even in times of despair or decay, a spark of originality or a profound essence might still persist, waiting to be rediscovered or expressed.
Themes
DragonSingWitheredTreeCreativityPotentialLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a creative writing workshop, this quote could inspire participants to find their voice despite any struggles they face.
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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