What does Dogen mean by enlightenment?
Even if we have not yet given rise to the mind that truly aspires to realize full enlightenment, we should imitate the methods of the Buddhas and Ancestors of the past who gave rise to the mind that seeks enlightenment. This mind is the mind that has resolved to realize enlightenment; it is the manifestation of a sincere heart moment by moment, the mind of previous Buddhas, our everyday mind, and the three worlds of desire, form, and beyond form. All of these are the products of our mind alone.
Shobogenzo, Shinjin Gakudo, Rev. Hubert Nearman p.491
If anything should be revered, it is enlightenment. If any time should be honored, it is the time of enlightenment..
Tenzo kyokun (Moon in a Dewdrop, p.64, Kazuaki Tanahashi & Arnold Kotler)
In order that you may now push on in your training to realize enlightenment in an instant, I show you the marvelous path which the Buddhas and Ancestors have directly Transmitted, and I do this that you may become a genuine follower of the Way.
Shobogenzo, Bendowa, Rev. Hubert Nearman
Clearly remember: in the Buddhist patriarchs’ learning of the truth, to awaken the bodhi-mind is inevitably seen as foremost. This is the eternal rule of the Buddhist patriarchs.
Shobogenzo, Hotsu-Bodaishin, Gudo Nishijima & Mike Cross, v3, p.271
Those who have not yet attained the mind of enlightenment should pray to the Buddhas of former ages, and should also dedicate their good works to the quest for the mind of enlightenment.
Eihei Koroku, 4, Thomas Cleary
Labels: dogen, eihei koroku, enlightenment, shobogenzo, zen
