Dogen's Fukanzazengi Advice

• From Dogen's Fukanzazengi T

From Dogen's Fukanzazengi

Stop pursuing this and that so as to find time to sit in contemplation

You should stop pursuing words and letters and learn to withdraw and reflect on yourself — There is no reason to forsake your own sitting place and make futile trips to other countries.

The way is completely present where you are — Your tongue can be placed against the roof of your mouth and your lips and teeth closed firmly. (2)

End a sitting session calmly

As you practice the sitting contemplation, a way may open too (as you get along)

Be temperate in eating and drinking.

Clothing should be loose but neat (convenient should do). (7)

Exert yourself in the way that points directly to your original Buddha nature (and) the treasure house will then open of itself. So be able to enjoy it.

If you wish to realize the Buddha's wisdom, you should begin training at once — Ancient sages were so diligent, how can present-day trainees do without the practice of zazen?

Learn to think beyond thinking and nonthinking. (rise mentally to that) — No distinction should be made between the clever and the stupid as you devote yourself exclusively to and be completely absorbed in the practice of zazen.

Forsake all delusive relationships — Sit upright [if you can] — The absolute way . . . is beyond enlightenment itself.

The way is, needless to say, very far from delusion. Why, then, be concerned about the means of eliminating the latter? — You know what is the most important thing in Buddhism (Dogen calls it Zazen).

Zazen is not "step-by-step meditation." Rather it is simply the easy and pleasant practice of a Buddha, the realization of the Buddha's wisdom.

Summary

1. Stop pursuing this and that so as to find time to sit in contemplation.
2. End a sitting session calmly. It should take a few minutes.
3. As you practice the sitting contemplation, some way or ways may open too (as you get along)

A Few Dogen Statements