More Dogen Zenji

On the subject of enlightenment

In what way can we attain enlightenment by mind or body? (Knowledge or experience) Those who are founded on scriptures say, "Mind and body are the same thing," and we can master Buddhism by the way of the body (Experience) Because mind and body are one and the same. Among them there is the lack of definite information as to mastering Buddhism by way of the body.

Our Zen sect makes it a doctrine to attain enlightenment by both ways. If they try to master Buddhism only by way of the mind (By knowledge alone), they will not be able to attain enlightenment after thousands and thousands of years of efforts. When they come to stop the activity of the mind and give up knowledge and opinion they will attain enlightenment. Rev. Ling-yun was spiritually awakened when he looked at the peach blossom, as was Rev. Haiang-yen when he heard a kicked stone hitting on a bamboo tree trunk. These masters attained enlightenment by way of the body.

Therefore, give up thoughts, knowledge and opinions altogether and devote yourself to practicing Zazen, then you will take heartily to Buddhism. So, it may be safely said that the way to enlightenment runs through the body. This is why I hold that you should devote yourself to Zazen practice.

Those who want to study the way of Buddhism should devote themselves to it. There is an old saying that one more step forward should be taken at the top of a high pole. The higher we go up a pole the more we are apt to hold on to it lest we should lose our footing and be killed in the fall. However, far from this, in Buddhism we are persuaded to make further advances; We may well least expect that things would come to a pretty pass and give up the means of our own living as well as our walk of life, as if entering into the state of self-effacement. But it is too much for us. Unless we abandon our last resource we cannot attain enlightenment despite all our efforts which are a pressing need to us. You should have the courage to renounce mind and body.

Kigen Dogen Zenji Eihei ji monastery

In the year 1234