Be moderate in eating and drinking. Mindful of the passing of time, engage yourself in zazen as though saving your head from fire.
DogenRead
Because mountains are high and broad, the way of riding the clouds is always reached in the mountains; the inconceivable power of soaring in the wind comes freely from the mountains
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mountains symbolize challenges, and overcoming them leads to great freedom and inspiration.
This quote by Dogen highlights the idea that facing challenges, represented by mountains, allows individuals to reach elevated states of being and creativity. The 'inconceivable power' refers to the immense potential one can attain by embracing these challenges, suggesting that true freedom and inspiration often come from overcoming obstacles in life.
Themes
MountainsFreedomChallengesInspirationPower
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about overcoming personal challenges.
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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