168 Quotes by Dōgen

Though it has no thought of keeping watch, it's not for naught that the scarecrow stands in the grain field.

Be mindful of the passing of time, and engage yourself in zazen as though you are saving your head from fire.

Do not view mountains from the scale of human thought.

Know that the true dharma emerges of itself [during the practice of zazen], clearing away hindrances and distractions.

Mountains and oceans have whole worlds of innumerable wondrous features. We should understand that it is not only our distant surroundings that are like this, but even what is right here, even a single drop of water.

When you paint Spring, do not paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots, but just paint Spring. To paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots is to paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots - it is not yet painting Spring.

Do not be amazed by the true dragon.

Zazen is an activity that is an extension of the universe. Zazen is not the life of an individual, it's the universe that's breathing.

In doing zazen it is desirable to have a quiet room. You should be temperate in eating and drinking, forsaking all delusive relationships. Setting everything aside, think of neither good nor evil, right nor wrong. Thus having stopped the various functions of your mind, five up even the idea of becoming a Buddha.