Dōgen

"A flower falls, even though we love it; and a weed grows, even though we do not love it."

"Working with plants, trees, fences and walls, if they practice sincerely they will attain enlightenment."

"A flower falls even though we love it. A weed grows even though we don't love it."

"Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life."

"When you paint Spring, do not paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots, but just paint Spring. To paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots is to paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots - it is not yet painting Spring."

"Your body is like a dew-drop on the morning grass, your life is as brief as a flash of lightning. Momentary and vain, it is lost in a moment. (From 'Fukan zazengi')"

"Do not be concerned with the faults of other persons. Do not see others' faults with a hateful mind. There is an old saying that if you stop seeing others' faults, then naturally seniors and venerated and juniors are revered. Do not imitate others' faults; just cultivate virtue. Buddha prohibited unwholesome actions, but did not tell us to hate those who practice unwholesome actions."

"Know that the true dharma emerges of itself [during the practice of zazen], clearing away hindrances and distractions."

"Treading along in this dreamlike, illusory realm,Without looking for the traces I may have left;A cuckoo's song beckons me to return home;Hearing this, I tilt my head to see Who has told me to turn back;But do not ask me where I am going,As I travel in this limitless world,Where every step I take is my home."

"If you are unable to find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?"