Before a person studies Zen, mountains are mountains and waters are waters;
After a first glimpse into the truth of Zen, mountains are no longer mountains and waters are not waters;
After enlightenment, mountains are once again mountains and waters once again waters.
Text: Dogen
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I posted the above last April, and again this morning I was thinking about what Dogen said. It's so pure and beautiful.
In life, we go through different stages... Some day, if we're lucky, we'll lie in our deathbeds while still conscious, and ponder about what has happened in all the years. Life is nothing but happenings from one event to another and we ask ourselves: "What have we learned?" We go through each day from here to there and there and back... Have you been paying attention? I'm trying.
I believe that enlightenment [or whatever you would like to call it] is here, in each and every day. We can learn from every situation, if we want it. It's very near, but only if we look closely. Don't let your doubts and worries cloud your day. Someone reminded me recently that we should live each day like there's no tomorrow... I said I'd rather live each day like there's always a tomorrow!
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Currently listening:
佛光山 Buddhist Choir - Wu Sian Song II
Comments (4)
I remember that from the first time you posted it, and I still think it's wonderful.
Posted by D-Man | February 11, 2008 8:39 PM
Posted on February 11, 2008 20:39
i don't know what is enlightenment, but i sense it is not a firework spectacluar. it must be very subtle.
Posted by urspo | February 9, 2008 1:55 PM
Posted on February 9, 2008 13:55
Exactly, live like there is a tomorrow... I have my close relationship to God and it helps me to think that there is going to be a tomorrow. Morning prayers help get me through the day and eventually through life. I like that--"live like there is a tomorrow". You should make a bumper sticker of it.
I remeber when I first read the Tao of Pooh. I had no idea what it was trying to convey. To this day, I still sometimes get confused.
This post speaking of the mountains reminded me of one of the passages in that book.
I'm still trying to find that enlightenment.
I may break out my Tao of Pooh series...and then read the Te of Piglet.
Posted by johnmichael | February 8, 2008 11:48 AM
Posted on February 8, 2008 11:48
What a beautiful entry, you are wise beyond your years. I think I'll be spending the next 40 days in your blog, listening and meditating. It has been fun tonight.
Posted by Derek | February 6, 2008 6:20 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 18:20