Story Summary
Explore Dogen's Enlightenment, the profound Zen tale of the founder of Soto Zen who realized truth through the simple act of dropping off body and mind.
Dogen journeyed from Japan to China, seeking the true essence of the Dharma. After years of searching, he met Master Rujing at Tiantong Temple. One night during meditation, Rujing noticed a monk dozing off. He struck the monk with his slipper and shouted, 'Zazen is the dropping off of body and mind! Why are you sleeping?' Upon hearing these words, Dogen experienced a profound inner transformation. He entered Rujing’s quarters later, offered incense, and bowed deeply. When Rujing asked what had happened, Dogen replied, 'Body and mind have dropped off.' Rujing confirmed, 'Dropped off indeed.' Dogen returned to Japan to teach that the act of sitting itself is enlightenment, requiring no seeking beyond the present moment.
The Moral
True enlightenment is not a goal to be reached, but the natural state realized when one lets go of the ego and the dualism of body and mind.
“Zazen is the dropping off of body and mind.”
Fun Fact
Dogen is the author of the 'Shobogenzo,' a massive collection of essays that is considered one of the most significant and difficult philosophical works in Japanese history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Dogen's Enlightenment?
The story teaches that spiritual awakening comes from the total letting go of the self-centered ego. By 'dropping off body and mind,' one realizes that zazen is not a means to an end, but enlightenment itself.
What does 'dropping off body and mind' mean?
This phrase refers to the transcendence of physical and mental attachments. It is the realization of non-duality where the practitioner is no longer bound by individual identity or intellectual concepts.
Who was Master Rujing?
Tiantong Rujing was a Chinese Caodong Buddhist monk who became the teacher of Dogen. He was known for his strict discipline and for emphasizing that zazen is the only necessary practice for realization.
Why did Dogen travel to China?
Dogen was dissatisfied with the Buddhist teachings in Japan at the time, which he felt were too focused on ritual and theory. He sought a master who could explain the true nature of practice and enlightenment.
What branch of Zen did Dogen start?
Upon his return to Japan, Dogen founded the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. It is characterized by the practice of 'shikantaza,' or 'just sitting,' as the primary method of spiritual realization.
What is the significance of the monk sleeping?
The sleeping monk provided the catalyst for the lesson. Master Rujing's shout was not just a reprimand for laziness, but a profound pointer toward the total engagement required to see one's true nature.