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Yet you must not cling to the words of the old sages either; they, too, may not be right. Even if you believe them, you should be alert so that, in the event that something superior comes along, you may follow that.

— Dōgen Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)

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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)

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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.