Dogen (1200-1253) was orphaned at an early age and became a Zen monk
at thirteen. After seven years of study, he traveled to
China to unravel his "Great Doubt" and gain a better understanding of
Buddhism. He achieved enlightenment under T'ien-t'ung Ju-ching. He
returned to Japan, founded the Soto school of Zen and wrote Shobo
Genzo (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye) a collections of essays.
Learn the backward step
that turns your light inward
to illuminate your self.
Body and mind of themselves
will drop away,
and your original face will be manifest.
Coming, going, the waterbirds
don't leave a trace,
don't follow a path.
Midnight.
No waves,
no wind, the empty boat
is flooded with moonlight.
Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water.
The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken.
Although its light is wide and great,
The moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide.
The whole moon and the entire sky
Are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass.
