Dogen Zenji

(19 January 1200 – 22 September 1253) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher born in Kyōto. He founded the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan after travelling to China and training under Rujing, a master of the Chinese Caodong lineage. Dōgen is known for his extensive writing including the Treasury of the Eye of the True Dharma or Shōbōgenzō, a collection of ninety-five fascicles concerning Buddhist practice and enlightenment.

“To study the way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things.” Dogen

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

“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.” Dogen

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

“That you carry yourself forward and experience the myriad things is delusion. That the myriad things come forward and experience themselves is awakening” Dogen

“In a mind clear as still water, even the waves, breaking, are reflecting its light.” Dogen

“Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself.” Dogen

“Do not miss the opportunity of offering even a single drop into the ocean of merit or a grain atop the mountain of the roots of beneficial activity.” Dogen

“The recognition of the coming and going of things is a first step in training and practice.” Dogen