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 start from the self and try to understand all things is delusion. To let the self be awakened by all things is enlightenment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of understanding the world beyond oneself rather than being trapped in the self-centered perspective.
Dogen suggests that a narrow focus on oneself leads to delusion, as it limits the understanding of the broader reality. True enlightenment comes from opening oneself to the experiences and insights that come from engaging with the world, leading to a deeper comprehension of life and existence.
Themes
SelfEnlightenmentDelusionUnderstandingWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about personal growth and self-awareness.
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
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
You should stop searching for phrases and chasing after words. Take the backward step and turn the light inward. Your body-mind of itself will drop off and your original face will appear. If you want to attain just this, immediately practice just this.
DogenRead
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