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 right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of seeking truth in one's immediate surroundings rather than looking elsewhere.
Dogen's quote reflects the idea that the search for truth begins at home, in our own lives and experiences. It suggests that before seeking answers in far-off places or abstract concepts, we should first look deeply into our current situation, relationships, and environment. This encourages self-examination and mindfulness, urging us to recognize that clarity and understanding can often be found within ourselves and our immediate context.
Themes
TruthSelf-ExaminationMindfulnessPhilosophyAwareness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a mindfulness workshop to emphasize the importance of 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
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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