Quotes from Dogen

Consider that nirvana is itself no other than our life.

The color of the mountains is Buddha's body; the sound of running water is his great speech.

If you cannot find the truth within yourself, where else do you expect to find it?

Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken. Take heed, do not squander your life.

Be moderate in eating and drinking. Mindful of the passing of time, engage yourself in zazen as though saving your head from fire.

Time is three eyes and eight elbows.

Working with plants, trees, fences and walls, if they practice sincerely they will attain enlightenment.

But do not ask me where I am going, As I travel in this limitless world, Where every step I take is my home.

When the old plum tree blooms, the entire world blooms.

Handle even a single leaf of green in such a way that it manifests the body of the Buddha. This in turn allows the Buddha to manifest through the leaf.

Does a dragon still sing from within a withered tree?

If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

We must always be disturbed by the truth.

Truth is not far away. It is nearer than near. There is no need to attain it, since not one of your steps leads away from it.

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.

Sitting is the gateway of truth to total liberation.

Students, when you want to say something, think about it three times before you say it. Speak only if your words will benefit yourselves and others. Do not speak if it brings no benefit.

If you want to travel the Way of Buddhas and Zen masters, then expect nothing, seek nothing, and grasp nothing.

Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Your body and mind will become clear and you will realize the unity of all things.

A flower falls even though we love it. A weed grows even though we don't love it.

A flower falls, even though we love it; and a weed grows, even though we do not love it.

Meditation is not a way to enlightenment, Nor is it a method of achieving anything at all. It is peace itself. It is the actualization of wisdom, The ultimate truth of the oneness of all things.

Do not think you will necessarily be aware of your own enlightenment.

The coming and going of birth and death is a painting. Unsurpassed enlightenment is a painting. The entire phenomenal universe and the empty sky are nothing but a painting.