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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.

— Dōgen Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)

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More quotes by Dōgen

If he cannot stop the mind that seeks after fame and profit, he will spend his life without finding peace.

Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)

Because monks come from the midst of purity, they consider as good and pure what does not arouse desire among other people.

Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)

People who truly follow the Way would do well to conceal the fact that they are Buddhists.

Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)

When other sects speak well of Zen, the first thing that they praise is its poverty.

Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)

It is only due to a lack of heart for the Way and a lack of skill in handling their daily conduct that people become vainly tied to fame and gain.

Shōbōgenzō (1231)

All Dōgen quotes →

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Dōgen (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.