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 we seek the Buddha outside the mind, the Buddha changes into a devil.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Seeking enlightenment externally can lead to confusion and negativity.
This quote suggests that true understanding and enlightenment, represented by the Buddha, cannot be found outside of ourselves. When we look for wisdom externally, we risk misunderstanding or misinterpreting it, which can lead us away from the true path and into confusion or negativity, symbolized by the 'devil'.
Themes
BuddhismEnlightenmentMindfulnessSelf-DiscoveryWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a meditation retreat, one might share this quote to emphasize the importance of inner reflection.
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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