Be moderate in eating and drinking. Mindful of the passing of time, engage yourself in zazen as though saving your head from fire.
DogenRead
If you cannot find the truth within yourself, where else do you expect to find it?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that self-reflection is essential for discovering one's personal truth.
Dogen emphasizes the importance of introspection in the search for truth. He implies that external sources of truth are insufficient if one has not sought and understood their own beliefs, values, and understanding of the world. True knowledge and insight come from within, and without this internal exploration, any search for truth is likely to be shallow or misguided.
Themes
TruthSelf-ReflectionIntrospectionSelf-DiscoveryPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a personal development workshop, when discussing the journey of self-discovery.
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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