Skip to content

As I study both the exoteric and the esoteric schools of Buddhism, they maintain that human beings are endowed with Dharma-nature by birth. If this is the case, why did the Buddhas of all ages — undoubtedly in possession of enlightenment — find it necessary to seek enlightenment and engage in spiritual practice?

Another quote →

More quotes by Dōgen

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.

Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)

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)

All Dōgen quotes →

Attribution

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.